After rushing for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Raiders last season, Latavius Murray is now the No. 1 running back for the Vikings. Minnesota announced the deal at 12:47 a.m., catching a lot of fans by surprise Thursday morning.
“I grew up watching Randy Moss, Cris Carter,” Murray told Vikings.com’s Mike Wobschall.
Murray averaged 4 yards per carry in Oakland last season, but more importantly, he converted first downs on 65% of his carries when needing two yards or fewer, according to Black Hole Nation, a Raiders blog. The Vikings were brutal on short-yardage runs last season.
Murray says his ability to catch the ball and pass block will allow the Vikings use him on all three downs, something Adrian Peterson struggled with in his 10 years in purple.
“I have speed but I’m more of a downhill runner,” said Murray, describing his running style. “One cut and hit it kind of guy. I don’t like to dance too much, that’s not my style. I want to take advantage of the yards that’s there, but when I get the chance in the open field, I use my speed.”
Watch the full interview with Murray right here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO3LiqjWivg
