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August 5, 2009

Rookie Harvin feels at home

QB Jackson returns to practice

By Chad Courrier

MANKATO — Percy Harvin missed two days and four practices of training camp, and the Minnesota Vikings have no intention of letting the rookie wide receiver ease his way in.

Harvin, the Vikings’ first-round draft pick, arrived at Minnesota State on Sunday, and he’s been getting a lot of time in the backfield and slot receiver and both kick and punt returner.

“It’s pretty natural,” he said of returning punts and kicks. “I haven’t done it since high school. I did it a little bit at Florida during practice, but it’s just one of those things you keep (practicing) so I can feel at home again.”

Harvin accumulated more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,500 receiving yards in his collegiate career.

“I’m willing to do anything I can to help this ballteam win,” he said, “and if it’s special teams then that’s what I’m willing to do.”

The 5-foot-10, 184-pound Harvin’s agility and speed is his greatest assets, and he says he’ll keep going hard on the practice field, even if he’s not completely familiar with the playbook.

“They always say if you mess up, go full speed, so some of the time when I’m going full speed I probably don’t know half of what I’m doing,” he said.

Jackson update


Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson returned to the practice field, participating in some drills but watching from the sideline during full-team portions that included a live pass rush.

“I’m taking it a day at a time,” he said.

Jackson was injured Saturday, and for the last two days, he’s worked out with receivers and trainers away from the team. He competed in the 7-on-7 drills Wednesday, working on his throwing and footwork, as well as conditioning.

“He’s doing as much as he can do,” offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. “Tarvaris is a very hard worker.”

Udeze returns


Kenechi Udeze showed up at Wednesday’s morning practice and spent time watching the defensive linemen. Udeze, a defensive end who missed all of last season while being treated for leukemia, was forced to retire shortly before training camp when the effects of his treatment made it impossible to play football.

Udeze declined to comment Wednesday, but end Ray Edwards said it was good to see his former teammate.

“I just told him I miss him,” Edwards said. “We all have this dream of playing in the NFL, and to see his career cut short, it’s tough. He’s taking a year off and get healed, and maybe he can get back out here someday.”

Udeze was the Vikings’ No. 1 draft choice in 2004. He started for four seasons, playing in 51 games and finishing with 117 tackles and 11 sacks.

No pain in the neck


Last season, safety Madieu Williams was trying to fit in with the Vikings, having signed a big free-agent contract in the offseason, but early in training camp, he suffered a neck injury that forced him to miss the preseason and eight regular-season games.

He finished with 42 tackles and two interceptions.

“Hopefully, I’ll stay healthy until the start of the year,” he said. “I should be better.”

Practice observations


The Vikings signed running back Antone Smith, a rookie from Florida State. The team had an open roster spot after releasing receiver Aundrae Allison on Tuesday. Smith led the Seminoles with 15 rushing touchdowns last season, including four in a game against Miami. ... Cornerback Cedric Griffin was back with the No. 1 defense. He had been sidelined Tuesday by an ankle injury. ... Receiver Jaymar Johnson missed practice Wednesday. He and his wife were expecting their first child.

Free Press staff writer Josh Berhow contributed to this report.

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