Hercules Mata'afa the 'surprise of camp' says Zimmer
That’s the word from Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer, who said today on KFAN that Mata’afa has been “the surprise of camp” so far in Organized Team Activities.
Zimmer says Mata’Afa is now 275 pounds and plays on the defensive line the way defensive tackle Geno Atkins played for the Bengals when Zimmer was Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator. That’s high praise; Atkins was a first-team All-Pro when playing for Zimmer.
I'm all for the D having layers of viciousness...!!
The 3T position is wide open and the way zimmer coaches it will go to the individual that earns it. Sounds like Mata'afa put in the work in the offseason and still has his quickness. He could be another great find out of the UDFA that we have been able to find here recently.
Between Stephen, Mata'afa, Watts and Holmes we should be able to find a rotation of 3Ts who can combine to replace Richardson.
@"MaroonBells" said: Between Stephen, Mata'afa, Watts and Holmes we should be able to find a rotation of 3Ts who can combine to replace Richardson.I hope we find 1 guy that can replace him and then a suitable backup or 2. I have seen Stephen before. He seems more likely to back up Joseph and play DT on short yardage. Hopefully Herc, Watts or Holmes steps up and wins the job.
Herc Atkins? He's starting to remind me of another smallish DT who went undrafted...Woof
That's high praise from Zimmer... He usually doesn't go out of his way to make comparisons about players.
If Hercules added some good weight and kept that quickness... he could make a big impact as a pass rusher inside.
High praise from the head guy...With a name like that? Nowhere to go but up.
I think Zim is still trying to get that D line rotation like Philly had 2 years ago. Hopefully Herc can improve enough to be part of that rotation.
I have been thinking that this kid was going to be someone to watch this year in camp and is going to surprise some people as he becomes a huge asset to our D. Stoked to hear this!
Got damn, if he added that weight and is anywhere close to being as quick as he was in college, he can be solid! I'm rooting for the guy especially since most of my inlaws are WSU Coug alumn...
I'm not a single guy and competent back up guy---give 2--3 guys that can start on their own and rotate to stay healthy and fresh legs for the playoff push.
I was excited when we signed Mata'afa last season and I was disappointed when he got hurt, so it's cool to hear that he's put on some good weight and is impressing coaches. I'd love to see him become a contributor this season and alleviate some of our need at 3T.
He is motivated to get to the next level. The injury sucked but clearly it hasn't stopped him from getting after it. An exciting development and Coach Zimmer doesn't hand out praise lightly. I am looking forward to seeing him in action.
@"MaroonBells" said: Between Stephen, Mata'afa, Watts and Holmes we should be able to find a rotation of 3Ts who can combine to replace Richardson.Hopefully all three collectively are much better than Richardson. He didn't have the impact most of us thought he would.
https://www.vikings.com/news/presser-points-mike-zimmer-says-vikings-looking-at-a-lot-of-different
There's a clip in here with Weatherly speaking about Geno Atkins/John Randle 2.0
@"BarrNone55" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/presser-points-mike-zimmer-says-vikings-looking-at-a-lot-of-differentThere's a clip in here with Weatherly speaking about Geno Atkins/John Randle 2.0
Who remembers watching John Randle flash in the preseason and saying "where did THAT guy come from?" I sure do. Like Zim says, he's not in Canton yet, but I can't wait to watch him this summer to see if he can flash a little.
@"BarrNone55" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/presser-points-mike-zimmer-says-vikings-looking-at-a-lot-of-differentThere's a clip in here with Weatherly speaking about Geno Atkins/John Randle 2.0
Weatherly is an interesting guy; very well spoken, and comes accross like an intellegent, thoughtful person. Not the usual interview as most DL would give. I'm rooting for him to leap into the next level as a starter.
Great news about how well Herc looks, and his recovery. It's awesome to see how this Vikings team can develop their DL talent.
Weatherly has the build of a modern NFL DE: tall, long yet has that thicker ass and thighs that help with power. Goes about 270 lbs.+ and has the frame for a bit more without too much trouble.
@"HappyViking" said:@"BarrNone55" said: https://www.vikings.com/news/presser-points-mike-zimmer-says-vikings-looking-at-a-lot-of-differentThere's a clip in here with Weatherly speaking about Geno Atkins/John Randle 2.0
Weatherly is an interesting guy; very well spoken, and comes accross like an intellegent, thoughtful person. Not the usual interview as most DL would give. I'm rooting for him to leap into the next level as a starter.Great news about how well Herc looks, and his recovery. It's awesome to see how this Vikings team can develop their DL talent.
Sounds like his family probably comes across that way as well. mother went to MIT? Plays 6 instruments?And he has the physical build that Zim likes, tall, good length. He certainly seemed to look the part of an ascending player last year when he got the chance.
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