The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Minnesota Viking linebacker E.J. Henderson talks to media after arriving Thursday for the Vikings training camp at Minnesota State University. Behind is the Julia A. Sears Residence Hall that players will be staying in, a change from the old Gage Towers that they had stayed in previously. John Cross

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  • Carrying a few comforts from home, defensive tackles Pat Williams (left) and Kevin Williams arrive Thursday at the Julia A. Sears Residence Hall for Vikings training camp. John Cross

    vikes arrive 1.jpg

July 29, 2010

Vikes trickle into Mankato, Sears dorm

Players call new dorms home

By Jim Rueda Free Press Sports Editor

MANKATO — The large bodies began filtering into Minnesota State’s Sears dormitory Thursday afternoon. The Minnesota Vikings were making their annual trek to Mankato to begin their two-week training camp.

This year, instead of Gage Towers, the players are being housed in the newer Sears dorm. Veteran defensive lineman Pat Williams said where he sleeps while he’s in Mankato makes no difference to him.

“A dorm is a dorm ... it’s all the same to me,” he said. “This one has air conditioning so that will be a little nicer but, otherwise, it’s just a place to go to bed.”

There were no Brett Favre sightings Thursday and Williams isn’t expecting one.

“He hasn’t said ‘no’ yet so that’s a good sign. We’re hoping he decides to come back.”

A bunch of rookie players arrived on a bus from Winter Park in Eden Prairie. They appeared a bit tired from the ride down but said they’re ready to get started.

“I slept on the bus so I just woke up,” second-round draft pick Chris Cook said. “I’m ready to start learning, I’m ready to show what I can do (as a cornerback).”

Offensive lineman Chris DeGeare, a fifth-round draft choice, says he’s prepared for the unknown.

“There will be surprises, there are always surprises,” he said. “You just have to keep your eyes open and listen to what the coaches and the veterans are telling you and everything will be fine.”

Fourth-round pick Everson Griffen, a defensive end, agreed: “It’s like your freshman year of college all over again. You’re not sure what lies ahead but you know if you work hard good things will happen. That’s what I plan to do.”

When asked if he expected to get hazed by the veterans in training camp, Griffen nodded yes.

“I’m not too concerned about that. I realize they all had to go through it and now it’s my turn. I’ll just take what they give me and move on.”

Vikings training camp officially gets underway with an afternoon practice at 4 p.m. today at the MSU football practice fields.

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