Vikings tight end David Morgan was a sixth-round draft pick in 2016, becoming the first player in the history of his school — the University of Texas-San Antonio — to be drafted in the NFL. After being used mostly as a blocker, Morgan has shown off his pass-catching skills recently, with five receptions in the final two regular-season games. He chatted recently with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand:

Q It felt like the last couple weeks of the regular season set up just about perfectly for the Vikings in terms of getting wins but not getting complacent. Did you have that sense?

A Oh yeah. Going to Lambeau, it's a big game and we knew they weren't going to lay down. Same with Chicago. I don't think their record reflected the team they were. Their defense was incredible and we knew it was going to be a battle. That's what we got.

Q Your role catching the ball has expanded lately. How does that feel?

A It feels good to be involved a little more and to show I can do other things. It's a tribute to the coaching staff, to the quarterback making throws and the line doing its job.

Q You're a Texas guy just like your quarterback, Case Keenum. Do you guys talk Texas football?

A For sure. Texas football is just crazy with how big it is. It gives us a little sense of pride up here in the North.

Q Going from being the first player at your school to be drafted to this point now, have you reflected on that journey and what it means?

A It was really cool. It was a very unique situation. I was so thankful for the staff at [Texas-San Antonio]. Being drafted was a big thing for my family and UTSA as a whole. It's been a crazy journey, but it's been great. I wouldn't change anything along the way.

Q Fans love to talk about your long hair. Do you have fun with that?

A Yeah, it's part of me now. I've had it for a long time, maybe since sophomore year of college. It's part of my identity. Who knows, it might stay forever or it might be gone soon. Not too soon — no time this year, don't get me wrong.

Q How are you approaching the bye weekend?

A I'm going to take this time like everyone to get my body back and feeling good. I want to be away but not be gone. You can't separate yourself so much from football that you're just sitting on your butt. It will be good for everyone to get a little rest, then come back ready to roll.

Q Be away but don't be gone seems like a Mike Zimmer expression. Did you get that from him?

A No, that's just me. You don't want to be tuned out and get out of this mind-set. We're in a groove.

Q Watching from afar, this team has handled adversity really well. I don't think a lot of us saw this 13-3 regular season coming. How have you been able to pull this season together?

A The guys in here really believe in each other, and having a good locker room group is a big part of that. There are a lot of teams you see that kind of have animosity or don't get along. I feel like we 100 percent trust each other and have faith in the guys next to us. Football is a team sport, and if you have a bad guy here or there it really takes a toll on you. Everyone in this locker room has completely bought in.