Over the weekend, the Minnesota Vikings held their first rookie camp. Along with their ten draft picks and ten undrafted free agents, they invited other players in on a "tryout" basis. Getting the opportunity to try out has worked out for a local favorite, it appears.
The Vikings have announced that they have signed wide receiver Isaac Fruechte (pronounced FRICK-tee) to a contract following this weekend's camp.
In three seasons with the Golden Gophers, Fruechte caught 50 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns. He had 18 catches for 292 yards and a touchdown in 2014, which was enough to be named the Gophers' wide receiver of the year. Some of that can be attributed to the presence of tight end Maxx Williams, and some to the fact that saying the Gophers' passing game was "lacking" would be a vast understatement.
The signing of Fruechte gives the Vikings four Minnesota natives. . .cornerback Marcus Sherels, receiver Adam Thielen, tackle Carter Bykowski, and now Fruechte. Fruechte grew up in Caledonia, Minnesota.
Prior to the signing of Fruechte, the Vikings released wide receiver Kain Colter and guard Jesse Somsel. . .the latter of whom I, quite frankly, had never heard of prior to today. That means the Vikings still have one open roster spot if they want to sign someone else that tried out this weekend.
Welcome to the purple, Isaac Fruechte!