Long snappers are the afterthoughts of the NFL draft. Players fro

EAGAN Big And Tall Cameron Smith Jersey , Minn. (AP) — m the service academies, on track to join the military and not pro sports, are largely ignored.Still, here was Austin Cutting, a seventh-round pick out of the Air Force Academy, sharpening his specialist skills in rookie minicamp on Friday with the Minnesota Vikings and taking the first step toward what would be an unlikely, complicated and potentially inspiring career in the league.“It was just good to be out here for the first time,” Cutting said, “so I loved it.”Continuing further into the NFL calendar will depend on a plan for fulfillment of the minimum of two years of active duty for all cadets upon graduation, which is on May 30. Two years ago, the Defense Department rescinded a policy that previously allowed service academy athletes to delay their active duty to pursue a pro sports career. That undoubtedly steered teams away from drafting Jalen Robinette, the all-time leading receiver for Air Force.“Going to the academy Cameron Smith Minnesota Vikings Jerseys , serving comes first,” Cutting said.Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has been speaking with academy officials about options Cutting might have to meet his requirement while simultaneously trying to make the team.“It’s not, ‘OK, the Air Force was done, and now it’s time for the NFL,'” Cutting said, adding: “It’s decisions that are made above my pay grade, and they’ll help me along the way.”Cutting, who picked up his long snapping trade at Central High School in Keller, Texas, in the Dallas area, has been majoring in management. He’s an acquisitions officer Minnesota Vikings Jerseys Stitched , the personnel designated to serve as the government’s business managers and technical experts in buying everything from computers to helicopters for forces around the world.“I’ve heard everybody who does it loves it,” Cutting said.The chosen few who make it to the NFL usually do, too. Even simply taking the call from the Vikings last weekend, at home with family and friends, was one of those moments Cutting will always remember no matter where his career winds up taking him.“When it actually happens, you can’t really describe it,” Cutting said. “It’s a great feeling.”The Vikings have signed nine of their draft picks, with first round center Garrett Bradbury, sixth round cornerback Kris Boyd and Cutting the only ones still without a finalized contract. Unsigned players are typically given a special injury waiver to participate in offseason workouts until their deals are done.In addition to the 12 draft picks and 10 rookie free agents the Vikings acquired last weekend, seven other players on the 90-man roster, whether a practice squad member last season or a recent signing from the defunct Alliance of American Football, were eligible to participate in the practices at team headquarters.Then there’s a group of 37 players who were invited on a tryout basis Cameron Smith Jersey nfl draft , seeking to become the next Marcus Sherels or Adam Thielen.Sherels became the franchise’s all-time leading punt returner before signing with the New Orleans Saints this year. Thielen recently signed a $64 million contract after a second Pro Bowl selection. Both Sherels (2010) and Thielen (2013) needed a successful rookie minicamp to even make the summer roster.“We’re looking for guys that, number one, are good people, and number two, they have to have athletic ability,” coach Mike Zimmer said. “Come out and do what they’re being coached to do.”Among the tryout players this weekend are former UAB safety Mar’Sean Diggs, the brother of Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs.“That’s all I ever wanted, was to play in the NFL. Having the opportunity now means the world to me, so hopefully, and God willing, I make the team,” said the younger Diggs From China Cameron Smith Jersey , who has been training with his older sibling for the last three months.He’s been listening, too, whatever advice big bro has.“Just to keep my head down and work and stay quiet,” Diggs said. “Take heed to everything that’s going on. Take coaching. Keep my playbook with me at all times, and just do what you do.” The Minnesota Sports Awards have named Vikings Head Mike Zimmer Coach of the Year for his work last season, reports Lindsey Young from Vikings.com.After what many thought would be season ending loses with Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook going down early in the season, Zimmer was able to turn things around and go 13-3 and make a run to the NFC Championship game.Vikings’ General Manager Rick Spielman was asked to speak about Zimmer and had nothing but praise for him and his work with the team.Coach Zimmer could not be on hand to accept his award. He and the team are getting ready to play the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, but he did have a prerecorded message for those on hand.“Thank you for the honor of being selected as Minnesota Sports Awards Coach of the Year. I’m sorry I can’t be in attendance tonight; we have preparations for a huge New Orleans Saints game this week. I would also like to congratulate the other nominees. I have great respect for Coach Anderson and Coach Richter, and I’m proud of the work that they both do for the student-athletes in the state of Minnesota. We have great Vikings fans all around the state, and we need you to cheer for us again this weekend. Thank you.”