Post by elp525 on Sept 1, 2010 11:28:05 GMT -5
Pioneer Press
Updated: 08/30/2010 11:28:16 PM CDT
Darius Reynaud #27 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball back against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason NFL game at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 28, 2010. (Getty Images: Chris McGrath)
Percy Harvin isn't the only Viking who can run the ball, catch it and return it. There's also running back-returner Darius Reynaud, a converted wide receiver with Harvin-like ability to break open a game.
Reynaud, a third-year player out of West Virginia, returned a kickoff 73 yards Saturday night to set up Adrian Peterson's 24-yard TD run. Reynaud also averaged 13 yards on three punt returns. He led the Vikings in punt returns last season, averaging 10.3 yards.
I talked to Reynaud about how the exhibition season has gone and what's on his mind with the first mandatory roster cut set for today.
BS: The first cut-down looms. A lot of guys will be nervous. I'm thinking that's not an issue with you. Do you feel you're a lock to make the team with all the things you do?
DR: I don't know, man. I know it's a business. I don't get too involved in that because I know if I do, I'll mess myself up. I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and, hopefully, I'll stick around beyond (today).
BS: Do you want to show the coaches that they can count on you to return punts and kicks?
DR: Anywhere they want me to play, I'll play. The more you know, the more you stick around. If they ever need me for anything, I'm right here. If they need me to do kick returns, I showed them I can do it.
BS: Are you a better kick returner than punt returner vice versa?
DR: I love kick returns, but with punt returning, if you make that first guy miss, you can go the distance. I love punt returning. I love them both, actually.
BS: Are you a better returner than last season?
DR: I'm better at adjusting to the ball now. It's more natural.
BS: You can run, catch and return, just like Percy. Are you two the closest thing to cloned players on the Vikings' roster?
DR: I believe if Percy would have had that kick return, he would have scored on it. (Laughs.) He's got more speed than me — a little bit. We have a lot of similarities.
BS: How do you see your role?
DR: I don't want to be labeled as just a special teamer. Right now, that's a way to keep me on the team. I've got to take advantage of the opportunities I have on special teams and show the coaches that, when my time comes on offense, they will know what I've got.
BS: Do you want to try to fill Chester Taylor's (main backup/third-down) role?
DR: I would love to get more opportunities to have the ball in my hands. If I ever get a chance to do that, they're going to be glad they picked me.
BS: With Sidney Rice's surgery and Percy Harvin's migraines, would you be surprised to be moved back to wide receiver? Have coaches talked to you about that?
DR: They always tell me to stay tuned and make sure I'm in my playbook if something happens to one of those receivers. I'll still be on top of my game as a receiver, knowing my routes and stuff.
BS: You ran for nearly 1,900 yards and had 37 touchdowns as a senior in high school, yet only a few schools recruited you. Then, after a nice final season at West Virginia, you weren't drafted. Do you feel you're always trying to prove yourself?
DR: That happened to me in high school, growing up. That happened to me in college. It's happening now. I've been dealing with it for years.
BS: Have you figured out why you're always trying to prove yourself?
DR: I have no clue. I'm still trying to get the answer to that myself.
Updated: 08/30/2010 11:28:16 PM CDT
Darius Reynaud #27 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball back against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason NFL game at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 28, 2010. (Getty Images: Chris McGrath)
Percy Harvin isn't the only Viking who can run the ball, catch it and return it. There's also running back-returner Darius Reynaud, a converted wide receiver with Harvin-like ability to break open a game.
Reynaud, a third-year player out of West Virginia, returned a kickoff 73 yards Saturday night to set up Adrian Peterson's 24-yard TD run. Reynaud also averaged 13 yards on three punt returns. He led the Vikings in punt returns last season, averaging 10.3 yards.
I talked to Reynaud about how the exhibition season has gone and what's on his mind with the first mandatory roster cut set for today.
BS: The first cut-down looms. A lot of guys will be nervous. I'm thinking that's not an issue with you. Do you feel you're a lock to make the team with all the things you do?
DR: I don't know, man. I know it's a business. I don't get too involved in that because I know if I do, I'll mess myself up. I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and, hopefully, I'll stick around beyond (today).
BS: Do you want to show the coaches that they can count on you to return punts and kicks?
DR: Anywhere they want me to play, I'll play. The more you know, the more you stick around. If they ever need me for anything, I'm right here. If they need me to do kick returns, I showed them I can do it.
BS: Are you a better kick returner than punt returner vice versa?
DR: I love kick returns, but with punt returning, if you make that first guy miss, you can go the distance. I love punt returning. I love them both, actually.
BS: Are you a better returner than last season?
DR: I'm better at adjusting to the ball now. It's more natural.
BS: You can run, catch and return, just like Percy. Are you two the closest thing to cloned players on the Vikings' roster?
DR: I believe if Percy would have had that kick return, he would have scored on it. (Laughs.) He's got more speed than me — a little bit. We have a lot of similarities.
BS: How do you see your role?
DR: I don't want to be labeled as just a special teamer. Right now, that's a way to keep me on the team. I've got to take advantage of the opportunities I have on special teams and show the coaches that, when my time comes on offense, they will know what I've got.
BS: Do you want to try to fill Chester Taylor's (main backup/third-down) role?
DR: I would love to get more opportunities to have the ball in my hands. If I ever get a chance to do that, they're going to be glad they picked me.
BS: With Sidney Rice's surgery and Percy Harvin's migraines, would you be surprised to be moved back to wide receiver? Have coaches talked to you about that?
DR: They always tell me to stay tuned and make sure I'm in my playbook if something happens to one of those receivers. I'll still be on top of my game as a receiver, knowing my routes and stuff.
BS: You ran for nearly 1,900 yards and had 37 touchdowns as a senior in high school, yet only a few schools recruited you. Then, after a nice final season at West Virginia, you weren't drafted. Do you feel you're always trying to prove yourself?
DR: That happened to me in high school, growing up. That happened to me in college. It's happening now. I've been dealing with it for years.
BS: Have you figured out why you're always trying to prove yourself?
DR: I have no clue. I'm still trying to get the answer to that myself.
