National Football League

Minnesota's David Yankee 'pumped' to compete for Vikings starting OL job

Published Jun. 12, 2015 1:03 p.m. ET

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Even though Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman David Yankee, a 2014 fifth-round pick, was a healthy scratch for all 16 games last season, he is fighting for a role this offseason with optimism. Yankee claims he is not the same lineman that failed to take the field last year, according to Matt Vensel of the Star-Tribune.

"I feel like I’ve personally made strides," Yankey told the Star-Tribune. "But you’re going to have to ask [the Vikings] what they think about it."

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer corroborates Yankee's claim of improvement, according to the Star-Tribune. The Vikings are experimenting with their offensive line, and they've tried out the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Stanford product at both guards positions and left tackle.

Yankee, who aims to compete for a starting job, is stoked about the opportunity before him.

"I’m pumped. You really get a chance to prove yourself in [training camp and] the preseason games, put real film on and let the coaches evaluate you," Yankey said. "Obviously, they’re evaluating all the time. But that’s when it is really grind time and everybody gets to get a look at the work you put in all offseason."

The second-year blocker seems eager to bulldoze the competition.

(h/t Star-Tribune)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports