Viking Toby Gerhart: More Than Just A Backup
MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) - The Vikings have moved into game week mode, which is a welcomed time at training camp in Mankato. But what they know right now is that while Adrian Peterson tries to get back on track, Toby Gerhart is the number one running back.
Gerhart is back with a confidence that comes with a veteran presence in the league.
"It's a little more relaxed, and kind of enjoying it. It's training camp, it's a grind, but you got to have fun with it. And I'm definitely enjoying it more I did my rookie year," said Gerhart.
If Adrian Peterson is healthy, he's the number one running back. Gerhart then is number two. But what head coach Leslie Frazier likes about Gerhart is that he has the mindset that he doesn't want to settle for second best.
"He's been looking well. He's been practicing well, has great confidence in what we're doing, what we're asking of him. He doesn't seem like a guy who's willing to settle for being a backup running back, which is a good thing. He's preparing himself as if he's going to have to start against Jacksonville," said Frazier.
So he prepares and understands. Adrian is the man, but this is his opportunity.
"As a running back, you want to touch [the football] as often as possible. And we'd love to have Adrian back, and we don't know what's going to happen with him, but if that opportunity presents itself for me, then I'm going to take it and run with it…literally" said Gerhart.
