EAGAN, Minn. — Purple isn't the only familiar element for Ross Blacklock.

He wore the color in college at TCU before being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.

A trade by Minnesota on Tuesday put Blacklock back in purple this week.

Wednesday brought another trade — a deal with Philadelphia to acquire receiver/returner Jalen Reagor — for a former Horned Frog who is on the way to Minnesota.

Blacklock and Reagor overlapped at TCU from 2017-19. Vikings center Austin Schlottmann was with the Horned Frogs from 2014-17.

"I can't get away from him, man," Blacklock quipped after Wednesday's practice. "I think that's what it is. Purple is just my color. I'm excited to be back in purple.

"Jalen is a great guy. I enjoyed the time with him when I was there. I'm excited to have him back," Blacklock said. "It's always good to have some TCU guys. I've got Austin Schlottmann with me. I didn't know that until I seen him. I'm excited to get up here and have somebody that's somewhat 'home' with me on the journey of meeting new people."

Blacklock has played 29 games (three starts) and totaled 36 tackles with eight quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble so far.

Vikings defensive line coach Chris Rumph was with the Texans when Houston drafted Blacklock.

"I think I fit real well in this defense," Blacklock said. "Coach Rumph, I was with him my rookie year in Houston. He was my coach in the same defense that we're running, so it's kind of like a repeat process, so I've just got to get back to it and learn all the technique stuff that comes with this defense."

He plans to do extra film and other studying to get caught up and be ready for Minnesota's Week 1 opener against Green Bay.

"I know the stadium is going to be packed," Blacklock said. "I've never experienced the SKOL Chant. I might be on the sideline doing that. It looks exciting. I'm just thrilled."