Wherever Danielle Hunter goes these days, heads seem to turn.

The Vikings’ second-year defensive end has put on seven pounds of muscle since last season and is now a rock-solid 257 pounds.

“People say I look good and how do I get like that?” Hunter said Tuesday following a practice during organized team activities. “I say, ‘Go in the weight room.’ ”

That’s what Hunter did during the offseason. He worked out near his home in the Houston area alongside running back Adrian Peterson and defensive tackle Tom Johnson. Related Articles Vikings elevate CB Mark Fields from practice squad for Sunday’s game

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Hunter might talk as if it’s not that difficult to have a body like his, but at least one teammate knows better. Tight end Kyle Rudolph said Hunter “absolutely” has the most impressive physique on the Vikings.

“That’s a lot of work he puts in, but a lot of it is God-given as well,” Rudolph said. “You can work out as much as you want, and I don’t know if you’re going to look like him. But he does put in the time in the weight room to develop his strength and his power.”

It’s been showing during OTAs. The 6-foot-5 Hunter, a third-round pick from LSU who had six sacks last season as a rookie, has looked impressive rushing the passer — even if nobody is wearing pads.

“He’s really quick off the ball,” said tackle Phil Loadholt. “He’s always quick, but it seems like he’s got a little more burst to him. Stronger. He’s a good player.”

The athletic Hunter was the youngest player in the NFL last season, turning 21 on Oct. 29. He got off to a slow start, inactive for two of the first three games before becoming Minnesota’s top reserve defensive end.

He closed the year with 3 1/2 sacks in the final four games and is confident about taking another big step this fall.

“I’m doing whatever I can to contribute to my team, so that could be possible,” he said.

It’s not out of the question that Hunter could push Brian Robison, entering his 10th season, for a starting job, although he didn’t want to speculate on that on Tuesday.

Hunter, who was born in Jamaica and moved to suburban Houston at age 8, didn’t have to look far to find offseason training partners. Peterson has a home in the area, and Johnson began joining him there for workouts conducted by notable trainer James Cooper.

“We lifted weights and ran hills,” Hunter said. “It was some crazy stuff. We did bear crawls and all that. We bear crawled up the hill backward.”

Whether he is a starter or rotation defensive end, the Vikings have high hopes for Hunter. He’s got a prototypical build for the position, including arms that extend 34 1/2 inches.

“Danielle was 20 years old most of last season, and at 20 years old you’re still a kid, your body is still developing,” Rudolph said. “But there aren’t many defensive ends that have the skill set he does. He has long arms, he’s strong and quick, and when you have two mentors like (Robison and defensive end Everson Griffen) to learn from, it puts you in a great opportunity to be successful.’’

Rudolph lauded what Hunter has done in the Vikings’ weight room since spring drills began in April, saying he is making great progress under new strength and conditioning coach Brent Salazar.

With Hunter regularly asked by strangers for body-building tips, the results are clearly showing. But if asked about his diet, he demurs.

“I eat fast food,” said Hunter, calling Chipotle a favorite. “I’m young, so I’m at an age that I can eat whatever I want. But as I get older, I know I’ve got to watch out for that stuff.”