Linebacker Michael Mauti is headed to Minnesota and the seventh-round pick couldn't be happier to be reunited with former Penn State teammate Gerald Hodges.

Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti hauls in an interception in the third quarter of the Nittany Lions' 35-7 win over Illinois.

Mauti's expectations for the NFL Draft were a lot different than many other players since he is coming off of his third major knee injury in five years. The All-America linebacker met with Vikings reporters following his selection and discussed injury recovery, his family's NFL background and where he fits in with the Vikings.

Q: Were you expecting that you'd slide to the seventh round or is that what most teams were telling you considering the injuries?

A: Michael Mauti: "I really tried to go into this draft without any expectations just because I understand my situation medically and stuff like that but it got more and more difficult as it went on I couldn't be happier to get picked last. It's a great organization. I always had respect for the Vikings and what they've been able to do so I'm just happy to be a part of the team."

Q: During your time at Penn State how much of it was spent in rehab with the three knee injuries?

A: Mauti: "(Laughs) Way too much, I'll tell you that. With the most recent injury I've been rehabbing and just getting back. I feel great. I've been sprinting and doing some things as far as agility. Really, it's going to be a good summer of getting therapy, getting right and healthy and be ready for preseason camp."

Q: Given your dad's NFL roots is it safe to say football is in your blood?

A: Mauti: "I would think so. Having my dad go through that whole process before and playing eight years in the league it definitely helps.. I did everything I could to put myself in this position and this is a great opportunity I have right here in front of me and I'll just try and make the most of it. "

Q: Do you view yourself as more of an outside or inside linebacker?

A: Mauti: "I played more outside but I think at the next level I will probably be more of an inside guy. I have a lot of experience in the 4-3 and I played all three positions at Penn State so I'm real comfortable will all three of them. I haven't really talked to the Vikings about it yet though. I'm sure that will happen in the next week."

Q: The Vikings had several players come off of major ACL injuries who were able to return to the field, most notably Adrian Peterson. Does that help you knowing they've had success?

A: Mauti: "Absolutely. That definitely gives me confidence. I spoke a little bit to the doctors at the combine and the rechecks. They were confident in the way my MRI's looked. I had a great surgeon with Dr. Bradley. It'll be a great relationship when I'll be ready and I know they'll take care of me. I'll be ready by preseason camp. That's my goal and that's where I plan on being."

Q: How important are your leadership skills considering everything Penn State went through?

A: Mauti: "We just viewed that whole adversity as an opportunity for us to kind of show positives in a really screwed up situation. We had a great senior class and a great head coach in coach O'Brien and it was the most fun I've had playing in any season."

Q: How nice will it be for you to have former Penn State teammate Gerald Hodges in Minnesota with you?

A: Mauti: "I couldn't be happier to be playing with Gerald. We had a lot of fun playing together last season and the season before that. He's a great support structure there and you kind of have a familiar face to go through the process with and I couldn't be happier in any situation. It's a great opportunity we both have ahead of us."