Former Gopher receiver Isaac Fruechte is one of 10 players the Vikings signed to their practice squad Sunday. Fruechte and eight others had been cut by the team the day before.
While it’s not totally a dream come true, Fruechte told the St. Paul Pioneer Press he’s excited about the opportunity.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said, but added he has other goals he wants to achieve. “That’s making the (active roster) and being part of this squad.”
Fruechte grew up in Caledonia, Minnesota. In his senior season with the Gophers last year, Fruechte played in 13 games and caught 18 passes for 292 yards and one touchdown. He was also named team’s Wide Receiver of the Year, according to Gopher Sports.
Fruechte said several other teams, including New England and Chicago, had expressed some interest in him joining their practice squads, according to the Pioneer Press.
Another Minnesota player, former Concordia University defensive end Zach Moore, was signed by the team late Sunday afternoon to fill out the 10-player squad. Moore was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round last year and was active for eight games as a rookie, according to 1500ESPN.
The other players signed to the practice squad are:
DE B.J. DuBose
OL Isame Faciane
S Anthony Harris
LB Brian Peters
FB Blake Renaud
LB Brandon Watts
RB Dominique Williams
OL David Yankey
One player the Vikings released on Saturday, linebacker Michael Mauti, has been picked up by New Orleans, which is his hometown.
Thank you to the Vikings for drafting me 2 years ago & giving me my first opportunty in the NFL. Many great ppl in that organization.
— Michael Mauti (@Michael_Mauti) September 6, 2015
But today the journey continues where it all started.. back home in
WHO DAT NATION!— Michael Mauti (@Michael_Mauti) September 6, 2015
From #Gophers 2014 team: Williams, Cobb, Wilson will be on NFL 53-man rosters this year. Thompson & Fruechte made NFL practice squads.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) September 7, 2015
