Zylstra Gets Invite To Vikings Minicamp

MOORHEAD, Minn. (5/01/16)—It was only a two-minute conversation but it might be the gateway to a lifelong dream.

Former Concordia wide receiver Brandon Zylstra received an invitation to attend the Minnesota Vikings minicamp on Sunday. Zylstra worked out for several NFL teams at the North Dakota State Pro Day on Apr. 5 and was waiting for an invitation to an NFL minicamp.

"It was a random call," commented Zylstra. "It only took about two minutes. They asked me if anyone else had contacted me and told me they would send details later."

Zylstra's invitation for a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream comes on the heels of former teammate Griffin Neal signing a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Zylstra and Neal both played for the Cobbers in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Zylstra finished his Concordia in 2015 while Neal ended his four years in 2014.

The two former Cobbers will start their NFL journey during the middle of May when the Vikings and Saints hold their annual rookie minicamps. Zylstra doesn't have a contract with the Vikings and is just looking for the opportunity for an invitation to the team's OTA camp later in the month. Neal has signed a contract but it is not guaranteed unless he ends up making the team.

Zylstra earned MIAC postseason honors in all three years he played for the Cobbers. He transferred to Concordia from Division II Augustana (S.D.) and led Concordia in receiving in 2013 and 2015. He was named to the MIAC All-Conference First Team in 2014 and 2015 and finished his three-year career with 120 receptions, 18 touchdown catches and 1,932 receiving yards.

Zylstra was also a standout athlete for the Cobber men's track and field team in 2015. He set the school record in the high jump for both indoor and outdoor and participated in the NCAA Outdoor Championship Meet in 2015. Zylstra was also named the MIAC Most Outstanding Filed Athlete for both the indoor and outdoor conference meets after winning the long jump and finishing second in the high jump.

Zylstra ramped up his workout regimen after the fall football schedule. He worked out with Neal in Arizona in January and then also with Carson Wentz at NDSU during the spring months.

"I think my training after the fall really got me ready for the scrutiny of the NFL scouts," Zylstra said. "I was able to get bigger and stronger and concentrate on the specific aspects of what I would need to stand out for the scouts."

Zylstra impressed at the NDSU Pro Day and had four teams hold interviews after his workout. In addition to the Vikings, scouts from the San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Phildalephia Eagles also showed interest in the physically gifted athlete.

"I felt good about my Pro Day and just had to be patient until after the draft," Zylstra said. "It was a long 24 hours after the draft finished and seeing all the other local players get invitations to camps. I am very excited to get the chance."