Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Coller quoted Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer:
“I think that’s an area that as guys progress, they start learning the special teams,” Zimmer said. “There’s quite a bit involved there, as well. You see their athletic ability. You see them making plays. I think that leads to guys that end up becoming starters. We’ve got all kinds of guys – Eric Wilson, Anthony Harris … C.J. [Ham].
“That’s kind of where they made their mark, and typically, it turns into them being a good full-time position player,” Zimmer added.
Wilson, Harris and Ham are joined by the likes of Adam Thielen, Stephen Weatherly and even Everson Griffen as players who showed they could stand out on special teams before they earned regular — and sometimes starring — roles.
Last year when starting safety Andrew Sendejo went down with an injury, Anthony Harris was ready. Harris had spent the majority of his first three seasons as a special teamer and then stepped into the starting job and has quickly become a difference maker on the Vikings defense. He has five interceptions this year and ranks fourth at his position by PFF’s grading system.
Coller highlighted Wilson’s progression, as well, and pointed to rookie cornerback Kris Boyd, who has been earning attention on special teams.
Coller spoke with Vikings running back Ameer Abdullah, who has plenty of NFL experience on both offense and special teams during his time in Detroit and Minnesota.
“There’s only so many slots for people who can make the team, and when you talk about actually fielding a team on game day, it’s 46 guys,” Abdullah told Coller. “Just by sheer numbers you understand you aren’t always going to be in there, especially early in your career, or you’re in a situation with a lot of talented or established players in front of you. You just do your job and watch the guys in front of you, and whenever your number is called, just be ready.”