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  • Phil Loadholt brings a veteran presence to a Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line that is being revamped in the wake of last year’s 3-12 season. Pat Christman

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July 29, 2012

Loadholt goes from new guy to veteran

By Joe Tischler Special to The Free Press

MANKATO — Most of the attention on the offensive line this training camp will focus on the new left tackle, rookie first rounder, Matt Kalil.

The right tackle spot though has been secure since 2009 when the Vikings drafted Phil Loadholt out of Oklahoma in the second round. The 6-foot-8, 343-pound lineman brings a veteran presence to an offensive line where only two starters are projected to be back at the same position they held at the end of last season.

Loadholt is entering the final year of his rookie contract where he has played in and started in 47 games over his first three seasons. Playing for a new contract isn’t the motivation he needs to perform well this year; he cares about getting back to where the team was in 2009.

“My motivation right now is to just win some games,” he said. “When I came here, my first year, we were 12-4 and played in the NFC Championship. That’s my sole motivation is to get back to that right there.”

Only Loadholt and center John Sullivan return to their same positions on the line this year. With the addition of Kalil, Charlie Johnson will move from left tackle to left guard, replacing the departed Steve Hutchinson. That leaves competition for the right guard position most likely between Geoff Schwartz and Brandon Fusco.

Even with all the changes, Loadholt feels good about the way the line will shape up this year.

“We got Matt Kalil from the draft,” he said. “We got some guys competing across the front. We have guys like Sully (John Sullivan) in the middle who’s a smart guy, tough player, and gets everybody lined up. I’m excited about the line and the opportunities we’re going to have.”

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is counting on Loadholt to be an important veteran presence to this young offensive line.

“Phil is a leader; he’s a leader not only of our O-line, but of our entire team,” he said. “He’s a physical presence. We can count on him in all situations. So we’re glad to have him at right tackle.”

With a second-year quarterback in Christian Ponder and with Adrian Peterson coming back from a serious knee injury, a lot of the team’s success on offense this season will depend on how quickly this new offensive line can gel and work together.

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