Profile of Wide Receiver Percy Harvin
Minnesota Vikings 2009 1st Round Draft Pick
When the Minnesota Vikings made Percy Harvin of the Florida Gators their first pick in April's NFL draft, the comparisons to Randy Moss were inevitable. Both flashy, explosive receivers out of the state of Florida, both considered to have "character" questions, and both having to wait until late in the first round (despite being top ten quality) because of those questions.
Percy Harvin-Randy Moss Comparison's Inevitable
In 1998, Moss was chosen 21st by the Vikings. He went on to play seven dazzling seasons for Minnesota, collecting 90 touchdown receptions on his way to becoming one of the highest profile players in the team's 48 year history. Now in 2009, comes Percy Harvin, chosen 22nd, by a Vikings team that's had more than its share "troubled" players (not the least of whom was Moss).
Coach Brad Childress, who is trying to establish a "culture of accountability" within the organization, is not overly concerned about the receiver's past. Shortly before the draft, Childress visited Harvin and his family, along with his Florida coach Urban Meyer, in order to make a final determination. Childress left that meeting impressed with the young man and his family, convinced that Percy Harvin was the right choice for the Vikings.
Vikings Were #1 on Harvin's List
Harvin, who has stated that his off-the-field troubles are behind him, is excited to be a Viking. "Minnesota was kind of number one my list-being a team I could grow from...being under Bernard Berrian and being that they already have a workhorse in Adrian Peterson...I'm looking forward to being a Viking and helping the team win."
Minnesota fans should be every bit as excited as the draftee is. An all-purpose yardage man for the Gators, Harvin had over 1,900 receiving yards and 1,800 rushing yards in 36 games at Florida. In one game versus Mississippi last season, he had 264 muti-purpose yards. In both of Florida's National Title victories (2007,2009) he was a major contributor.
Percy Harvin Holds Florida Gators Records
Harvin's stunning on-field explosiveness led to a Florida Gators Yards-Per-Rush career record: his 9.55 yards-per-rush average in college annihilated the previous school career record (6.4 yards) by more than 3 yards. He also holds the school record for touchdown receptions at 32.
Florida Coach Urban Meyer says "I've coached some great players, but not a dual threat and a reckless runner like that...he's got the best first step I've ever seen." Meyer and his staff designed plays specifically to take advantage of Harvin's stunning explosiveness. According to Vikings Update, the Vikings will likely do the same. In particular, look for the wide receiver to line up as quarterback in Wildcat formations.
If Percy Harvin's off-field mistakes truly are behind him, and he can pick up where he left off in college, he may just make the comparisons to Randy Moss moot, by leaving him in the dust.
Percy Harvin as Florida Gator
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