When former Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. received a phone call from the Minnesota Vikings at pick No. 42 in the 2022 NFL Draft, he wasn’t just joining an NFL organization; he was joining a secondary group loaded with experience.
Booth will have the opportunity to learn from veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Harrison Smith, who both have 10-plus years of experience in the league. Although Smith is a six-time Pro Bowler, Booth is especially eager to learn from Peterson.
“That’s my guy,” Booth said of Peterson after rookie minicamp. “I grew up watching him as a kid. Once I can be a sponge to him, that’ll be great.”
Booth could not fully participate in Minnesota’s rookie minicamp as he is still recovering from sports hernia surgery. He also said he has not yet been in contact with Peterson and the other veterans on the Vikings, but he “will really pick their brain when they get [to camp].”
Booth finished his junior season at Clemson with three interceptions, five passes defended and 37 total tackles. Meanwhile, Peterson had 45 total tackles and one interception while starting in 13 games for the Vikings last season.
With Peterson being a proven veteran to learn from, along with the Vikings’ culture, Booth described Minnesota as “the perfect place” for him.
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