Vikings Latavius Murray: “Look Forward to Us Running the Ball”
Sean Borman
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Minnesota Vikings running back Latavius Murray hasn’t been able to take part in Vikings OTAs, but he spent some time talking with the NFL Network on Monday about the current running back situation.
Murray on why things will be different this season:
“Obviously me being a part of the new running game, you got Dalvin, and being there with Jet, too. I mean we got some talent in that room. And so, I think you can look forward to us running the ball,” Murray said. “That’s what we wanna do, that’s a focus, ya know, on the offensive side right now. I’m really seeing that.”
Murray on Cook:
Murray reached out to running back Dalvin Cook as soon as he was drafted to offer the rookie guidance. The former Florida State standout was selected by the Vikings in the second-round of 2017 draft. Murray described his first impression of Cook from OTAs:
“He’s been running the ball really well. He’s picking things up. Very quick-twitch, big-play guy. He looks really good. I just reached out to him and told him, ‘Look, man, I was in your shoes at a point in time.’ But you’re talking about a first-round talent that we were able to get. I mean, who wouldn’t snatch him up?” Murray said of Cook.
Murray on what’s important:
Despite having the fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL the last two seasons (18), Murray insisted it’s not all about him:
“This is a team game,” Murray stated, accentuating each word, “We gotta work together so we can go out there and win. That’s most important.”
Murray injury update:
Murray underwent offseason ankle surgery to clean up an injury he suffered last fall. He was taken out of a walking boot on May 31st. He is scheduled to run on dry land this week and plans to be ready for training camp in July.
Despite the rehab, Murray isn’t worried about the injury. He suffered the same injury in the opposite ankle as a rookie.
“I’ve dealt with this rehab and dealt with this surgery,” Murray said. “That’s been a benefit for me because I’m feeling great, but I also knew what to expect. The rehab process has been really good.”
Borman Breakdown:
The former Oakland Raider seems to be fitting in already. Murray offered up a very Mike Zimmer-esque quote when asked about how he will help the Vikings most:
[quote_center]”I pride myself on getting into the end zone,” Murray said. “I’m good at what I’m good at. When we get inside that five I need to put the ball in the end zone.”[/quote_center]
The Vikings running game solely featured Adrian Peterson for a decade. Now the offense boasts a triple-threat backfield. Murray is the power back.