It was worth the wait.

Vikings fans had to stay up a little later Thursday night to see Minnesota make its first draft pick of 2021 after a trade with the New York Jets.

The Vikings used the 23rd overall pick to bolster the offensive line, adding tackle Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech. In 2020, Darrisaw started 10 games as the Hokies left tackle and earned Second-Team All-America honors from The Associated Press. He also was a First-Team All-ACC selection.

Darrisaw became the first Virginia Tech offensive lineman selected in the first round since 2008, when the Texans selected tackle Duane Brown 26th overall.

Here are five things to know about the Vikings newest offensive lineman:

1. From the diamond to the gridiron

Darrisaw's first love as a youngster was actually baseball.

He earned early attention as a star first baseman in Little League and doubled as his team's cleanup hitter. But according to The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, "Darrisaw's youth football coach took one look at him and told him his future was in a different sport."

The rest, as they say, is history.

2. Longtime left tackle

Darrisaw's reputation at left tackle dates back to his high school days, where he played for Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

His senior season at Riverdale Baptist earned him a spot on Team Baltimore in the 2016 Maryland Crab Bowl All-Star Game.

3. Fending off Brian Burns

Darrisaw's favorite college memory occurred during the 2018 season. Early in the campaign and as a true freshman, he had the opportunity to play against Brian Burns, who the following year was drafted 16th overall by the Panthers.

Darrisaw helped the Hokies defeat the Seminoles 24-3.

"We went down to Tallahassee, they were [wearing] all-black, it was a night game, and I'll never forget that moment. I was going against Brian Burns, one of the best defensive ends in the league right now, and for me to go and compete against him, I will never forget that moment."

4. Pancakes and pound cakes

Vikings fans are hoping to see Darrisaw pancake some opponents this season. But as it turns out, he also specializes in pound cake.

According to Darrisaw’s website, the tackle "takes great pride in his culinary skills, as he makes the best lemon pound cake, a family favorite during the holidays."

Other off-field activities Darrisaw enjoys include video games, jet-skiing, bowling and hunting.

5. Virginia native

Darrisaw was born in Petersburg, Virginia, making him the second Virginia native on Minnesota's roster. He joins Vikings defensive end Jalyn Holmes, whose hometown of Norfolk is located approximately 80 miles southeast of Petersburg.