What to Watch for at Vikings Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings fan Todd Walkingstick sounded disappointed during a recent appearance on KRFO AM 1390. The Owatonna resident was telling me the team was limiting the number of times any one person could attend training camp at the second-year facility in Eagan. At that point, Walkingstick had been to TCO Training Center twice, but he also informed me that the team was lifting those limits.
Over nearly three decades Walkingstick made the pilgrimage to Mankato repeatedly to watch his Purple prepare for the season. He says it gave him a good chance to get to know the players and take countless pictures, many with him standing shoulder-to-shoulder with players. New limits and security measures don't allow such close interaction for fans in Eagan.
Walkingstick is always optimistic to start the season but tried to temper his enthusiasm during our on-air run through on how camp has progressed and how strong the team might be this coming campaign. Hear the full segment below.
He feels receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs still look very sharp. Defensive linemen Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter look quick. The offensive line wasn't quite so impressive, adding, "Right now the defense is winning."
Walkingstick says it will take a bit for the younger players to adjust. He likes Chad Beebe (#12) as a quick, hard to grab slot receiver. Rookie running back Alexander Mattison (#25) is another player that excites Walkingstick.
While he's hoping for a win in Friday's preseason opener at New Orleans, Walkingstick knows to get through the game with no injuries is a bigger priority. He believes that winning games is always a good confidence boost, but that victories in the preseason don't hold much weight.
He recommends that fans going to training camp avoid I-494. For all the details on training camp and directions to reach TCO Training Facility in Eagan go to the Minnesota Vikings website.
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