Adrian Peterson as Fantasy Football Pick
2007 NFL Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson
Fantasy league owners rejoice! 2008 could be a monster year for the Minnesota Vikings running back. Adrian Peterson returns to put fear in opposing defenses after a stellar rookie campaign where his 1,341 yards was tops in the NFC and second in the league behind LaDainian Tomlinson (1,474). Combine lasts year’s yardage with his 13 total TD, and you have a fantasy stud. 2008 could be the best year of any Minnesota running back.
As a rookie in 2007 Adrian Peterson led his team to an 8-8 record, one game shy of reaching the playoffs. As a sophomore in ‘08 he will be helping the Minnesota Vikings try to take the NFC North title. With the strength of the Vikings offensive line another strong season from Adrian, barring injury; is imminent.
High School and College Years
Adrian Peterson was highly touted by college recruits during his senior year of high school, most ranked him as the top recruit in the country. Adrian was named Consensus national player of the year for his 2,960 yards and 32TD in his senior of high school. After graduation Adrian attended Oklahoma University.
As a freshman at OU, Peterson started where he left off in high school; he would eventually set many NCAA freshman records. He topped 100 yards on the ground in 11 of his 13 games; a college freshman record. With 9 of those 11 being consecutive; also a freshman record. It took AP all of 7 games to reach 1,000 yards; tying the freshman mark held by Emmitt Smith(Florida ’87) and Marshall Faulk(San Diego St. ‘91). Adrian finished 2nd to USC quarterback Matt Leinart in the Heisman Trophy ballot, which was the highest ever finish for a freshman.
Adrian Peterson would play three years at Oklahoma, amassing over 4,000 yards for a 5.4 yard average and 41TD. During his sophomore and junior years he suffered from an ankle injury and a broken collarbone. Given his aggressive running habits, NFL scouts didn’t think Peterson would last in the league for long. In 2007 six teams passed on him because of durability concerns, but with the 7th overall selection the Minnesota Vikings took that chance.
2007: Outstanding Rookie Season in Minnesota
Adrian Peterson wowed Minnesota fans right out the gate. In his first career game against Atlanta AP gained over 100 yards and even added a 60 yard touchdown reception. A month later against the Bears, Peterson ran for a then team record 224 yards along with 3TD. Three weeks later he would break running back Jamal Lewis’ single game rushing mark by amassing 296 yards. He also set the league record for a rookie with 361 all-purpose yards in that game. Adrian had shown why his nickname is ’All Day’.
On November 11th versus the Green Bay Packers, AP suffered a knee injury. Many people thought his season would be over. Maybe the skeptics were right, he couldn’t last in the NFL. Adrian would bounce right back thoughHe showed his strength and determination by coming back less than a month later to gain 116 yards and 2TD against the Lions. How’s that for durability?
At the end of the year it was a no-brainer who was the 2007 NFL offensive rookie of the year. On January 2nd Adrian Peterson was named The Associated Press NFL offensive rookie of the year; also earning a starting spot in the 2008 Pro Bowl. ‘All Day’ showcased his skills at the Pro Bowl by winning the games MVP award with 129 yards and 2TD. He proved his rookie season was no fluke with that superb performance against the best defense the AFC had to offer.
Adrian Peterson has said during off-season interviews that he wants to gain 2,000 yards in 2008; a feat only a few have achieved. With his ability and Minnesota’s strength on the offensive line, anything less may be disappointing to fans. A NFC North championship and the league rushing crown may very well be in the Vikings and AP’s future. Any doubts that scouts may have had could be washed away in 2008.
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles