The Vikings announced May 6 that they had signed free agent running back Jhurell Pressley, who was undrafted out of New Mexico.
As a fifth-year senior in 2015, Pressley played 13 games and recorded 907 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 147 carries. The season before, Pressley received five starting nods and delivered career highs of 1,083 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 114 carries.
Here are five things to know about Pressley:
1. Pro Day results
Pressley clocked a 4.38 40-yard dash at New Mexico's Pro Day, a time that would have been the second-fastest by a back at the NFL Scouting Combine (Keith Marshall, 4.31). Pressley also recorded a short shuttle time of 4.06 seconds, faster than any clocked running backs at the combine.
2. Hidden gem?
NFL.com projected Pressley to be a fifth- or sixth-round target, but he slid through the draft without hearing his name called. Pressley said the Vikings called him right after the draft, and he's excited for the opportunity to compete for a roster spot. It's not outside the realm of possibility, as both Marcus Sherels and Adam Thielen joined the Vikings as undrafted free agents and are now regular contributors on the field.
3. East coast kid
Born in New Castle, Delaware, Pressley moved almost 2,000 miles away to play collegiately for the Lobos. According to Pro Football Reference, Pressley is just the third player from New Castle to make it to the NFL. He joins former tackle Jeff Otah (2008-2011) and fullback Tim Wilson (1977-1984).
4. Special teams option
As a senior in high school, Pressley returned a kickoff for a touchdown. He was occasionally utilized on the special teams coverage unit at New Mexico and finished his collegiate career with 15 special teams tackles.
5. Neighbors to teammates
Pressley grew up just 7 miles from Vikings tight end Kyle Carter, whom Minnesota signed as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State. Carter and Pressley are the only two players on Minnesota's roster who hail from Delaware. Although Pressley's high school (Red Lion Academy) was located in Carter's hometown of Bear, Delaware, Carter played for William Penn High School. Pressley and Carter didn't compete against each other in high school because their schools were in different divisions.
