The art is on hold now, though, as he’s back to the training camp grind — and catching attention of fans and teammates alike.
Veteran pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, whom Ingram-Dawkins said he’s leaned on immensely to grow his own game, told media members Monday he expects the younger defender to “take a big step forward this year.”
“I’m excited to see him play, because these first four or five practices, he’s made a play every single day,” Van Ginkel said. “He’s … eager to learn, and he’s truly bringing it on a day-to-day basis. So I think he’s going to be a guy to watch this preseason.”
Flores expects similar strides.
The Vikings defensive coordinator can be tough on players — “Flo’ was really on me last year,” Ingram-Dawkins quipped — but they understand and appreciate his recognition of a player’s potential and ability to tap into it.
“At first I was like, ‘Man, he won’t let me breathe.’ But as time went on, it was, ‘OK, this is how Flo’ coaches. He just wants to see the best in me,’ ” Ingram-Dawkins said. “Me and him have definitely developed our relationship over the time I’ve been here, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.
“I truly feel like he’s one of the better coaches I’ve had,” he added.
Ingram-Dawkins also is grateful to learn from outside linebackers coach Thad Bogardus, assistant defensive line coach Pat Hill and Minnesota’s new Defensive Running Game Coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell likes what he’s seeing from Ingram-Dawkins and is excited for the way Flores will be able to utilize him during the upcoming season.