EAGAN, Minn. — It's a homecoming of sorts for Jonathan Wynn.
The Vikings defensive end could see a lot of playing time in Minnesota's preseason finale against the Titans in Nashville, a city he's quite familiar with.
Wynn played collegiately at Vanderbilt, where he started 24 games and appeared in 46 total games. He recorded 85 total tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
The 22-year-old undrafted free agent played outside linebacker as a freshman before shifting to defensive end in a 3-4 system in college. He has transitioned to a 4-3 scheme with the Vikings.
Wynn said he has been hard at work while relying on help from fellow defensive ends Brian Robison and Everson Griffen and Vikings defensive line coach Andre Patterson.
"Just learning new things in terms of tendencies by offensive linemen, using my hands, and being able to read formations," Wynn said. "To be behind veterans and be able to learn from them, especially B-Rob and Everson Griffen, and also Coach Dre, it's been great."
"He kind of got me from the bottom, and I'm working my way up," Wynn said of Patterson. "There's more growth in the tank with that. He's always been a great coach, and I've just kept learning."
Wynn also credited Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly, his former teammate with the Commodores, for teaching him about the NFL game.
Wynn has played 46 total defensive snaps in the Vikings first three preseason games, but notched a highlight by recording a sack and pointing at Patterson and others on the sideline.
"I saw them, and they know dang well that I've been working," Wynn said. "It's always good to get satisfaction knowing I've been grinding every day, trying to learn and trying to work."
He'll be looking to create more memories on Thursday in Nashville.
Here are three other topics Wynn covered with Vikings.com:
What was your major in college?
"I was an education and history major. I've always been into history when I was growing up. I used to read a lot of books, especially on African-American history and things of that nature. After ball, I'd like to get into teaching somewhere."
What are your hobbies away from football?
"I like to read a lot, but I love to write. Journals, short stories. I do that a lot."
Have you ever been published?
"I haven't. But I have some in the vault. I want to try and use football as a platform to advance other things like writing."
What is your top Nashville food recommendation?
"There is a ton. There's a brunch spot on Jefferson Street called Garden Brunch Café. They have real good pancakes and play jazz music and have a lot of impressive art on the wall. It's a good scene, and they have a good breakfast."
