MINNEAPOLIS — This is what Zavier Scott envisioned.

Seventy-two yards from scrimmage. Three catches for the former Maine star who had more college receiving yards than rushing; Ten carries for the 26-year-old fighting for his future as a running back.

Scott's versatility stood out Saturday for the second time in as many games. It was a bright spot in Minnesota's 20-12 preseason loss to New England at U.S. Bank Stadium. In the Vikings first exhibition, he gained 51 yards (40 rushing, 11 receiving) on eight touches. His momentum is apparent on every one.

"The last couple of weeks have been what I envisioned," Scott shared standing by his locker after. "Like, that I would play my heart out, continue to grow and improve, and play with calm confidence in what God's gifted me. That's what the last couple weeks have been like. I've just got to keep building on that.

"There's always something to get better at," the third-year running back continued. "I just look at it with that eye – take the good for what it is, learn from it and also learn from the bad and just keep going."

Scott paced the Vikings offense in rushing and receiving yards until 43 seconds were left in the contest and quarterback Max Brosmer connected with Tim Jones for a 22-yard pickup far along the left sideline (Jones finished with 68 yards on five catches).

Contrary to his performance against Houston, the bulk of his success in this outing occurred in the pass game and specifically on screens. Scott logged 44 yards on three receptions (14.7 avg.), with a long of 18.

He actually racked 18 yards twice – once via a Brett Rypien pitch and later on one from Brosmer.

Scott said "it took some grinding over the years" but his hands are a real strength now.

"I mean, some of my college teammates saw me [drop passes], and I put time in and made that my goal, just to be super intentional with the whole process," Scott explained. "So, it's awesome to have that background and be able to call on it when needed, and still sharpening the axe when it's time to."

Scott, 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds, is built in the mold of an old school H-back. He's a tweener, if you will. Not long like a receiver, but with a background in running routes and sneaking through coverages. And sturdy like a running back, although maybe not possessing elite shiftiness in space or breakaway speed. A few favorite adjectives to describe Scott's style are explosive, determined, dependable and inspiring.

His versatility, however, is showing up as a weapon. So is his patience.

Brosmer noted Scott has "really good tempo in the screen game." He does a good job selling protection, as if he's setting up to block someone coming after the quarterback and tracking the o-line's movement.

In order: Scott fakes his block, watches the ball all the way in for a catch and then follows the big fellas.

"That's something that takes a lot of practice and takes some savviness – and he's got that savviness," Brosmer detailed, extending a summary of the quality of impact Scott has on the offense and himself. "He's a quarterback's best friend. He's open for checkdowns and he'll get 8-10 yards for you, which is great. … He's one of my favorite players on the team, and I can't wait to continue to work with him."

It's not often a player gets complimented by a rival.

Brosmer and Scott have bonded over their FCS ties. One of Brosmer's alma maters, New Hampshire, is in the same conference – the CAA – as Maine, the primary program Scott was part of (after he began at UConn).

There's friendly banter about that rivalry "every single day," Brosmer quipped. There's also a commonality in working hard, staying focused and trying to earn roles on a roster in a cutthroat league.

"He is so down to earth, like he is super, super grounded," Brosmer said of the running back that was released by the Colts last August and spent 2024 on the Vikings practice squad. "I do my best every day to be so grounded, but he is just like the most grounded, humble dude I've met. And he works his butt off; he is a lot of fun to be around. … I love being around guys who love ball, and Zavier's one of them.

"He's got a very, very bright career," he added, drawing attention to Scott already beating the odds. "He's got some adversity in his career and he's only gotten better from it, so I'm excited to see where he goes."

For now, Scott is enjoying the moment, no matter if the stands are packed or the final score is counted.

"It's still awesome," he said of the exhibition experience at the Bank. "Seeing some awesome people walking through the tunnels, it's such an [amazing] atmosphere. It's just electric. There's just something special about it. Every opportunity I get here, it just brings me so much joy to have the opportunity."

Competing in a running backs room with Aaron Jones, Sr., Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler and Tre Stewart has further opened Scott's mind to areas he can improve. It's a "growth mindset," he said. A specific aspect he's refined is not lunging for the "candy" – gunning it the second he takes a handoff or collects a pass. His knowledge of defenses, structures and alignments – and the power of patience – is his guide.

As for what's next, Scott has plenty more to give.

He paused to think about his ultimate goal as the preseason winds to a close next week.

"I want to prove that I will give it all for these guys," he said solemnly. "I don't want to prove it to anybody but myself. Being a believer in Jesus, I want to offer myself as a sacrifice for His glory. God's called me to serve these guys."

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