The Vikings announced Tuesday they have signed defensive tackle Bruce Gaston after moving defensive end B.J. DuBose to the waived/injured list.
Gaston originally joined the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and has spent time with four other teams, including two NFC North rival clubs: the Patriots, Dolphins, Packers and, most recently, the Bears. In 11 weeks on Chicago's active roster in 2015, Gaston played in seven games and recorded 11 tackles (eight solo), four quarterback hurries, one tackle for loss and a sack.
Here are five things to know about Gaston:
View photos of Vikings new DT Bruce Gaston from his days with the Bears, Packers, Cardinals, Patriots and at Purdue.
1. Hails from the Midwest
A native of Illinois, Gaston grew up in Chicago and attended St. Rita of Cascia High School, an all-male Roman Catholic High School. He joins Zach Moore as the two Vikings defensive linemen who call Chicago their hometown. Rookie wide receiver Laquon Treadwell also hails from the greater Chicago area.
2. High school standout
As a senior at St. Rita of Cascia High School, Gaston was named a Chicago Tribune All-State selection after recording 99 tackles and 16 sacks. He was listed as a three-star recruit and the No. 37 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com.
3. Product of Purdue
Gaston lettered four years with Purdue, playing 50 consecutive games and making 44 starts. In 2013, he led the Boilermakers with 3.0 sacks. Gaston finished his collegiate career with 132 tackles (74 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed. He's currently the only Purdue alum on the Vikings roster.
4. Joins notable alumni
Gaston joins other graduates of St. Rita of Cascia High School to make it to the NFL, including former wide receivers Ahmad Merritt and Tony Simmons and former quarterback Mike Kafka, who spent time on the Vikings roster during the 2015 offseason.
5. Flurry of fall activity
Gaston had an incredibly busy fall of 2014, landing on three different rosters in less than one month. On Aug. 30, Gaston was waived by the Cardinals before being picked up and spending Aug. 31-Sept. 3 with the Patriots. After being waived by the Patriots, Gaston was with the Dolphins active roster from Sept. 4-Sept. 20 and then signed with the Dolphins practice squad on Sept. 23. The following day, the Cardinals re-signed Gaston to their active roster off Miami's practice squad.
