MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- Steve Hutchinson remembers his first training camp with Seattle, when being signed with the team for its first practice allowed him to be a starter as a rookie.
"Training camp, for the young guys, is huge," the Pro Bowl guard said. "A lot of stuff gets thrown at you, and it's hard to catch up if you miss something."
The Minnesota Vikings reported to Mankato on Wednesday for the 42nd training camp at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and rookies Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice, the team's first- and second-round draft picks, were noticeably absent.
However, third-round draft choice, cornerback Marcus McCauley, had agreed to a contract and reported, taking a bus from the Twin Cities along with several other rookies.
"Being a third-rounder, I never thought about (being a holdout)," McCauley said. "I'd always heard about first-rounders not being here. I knew my agent would get it done. I wasn't concerned about it." McCauley is expected to compete for the nickel-back spot.
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"They didn't draft me in the third round if they didn't want me to do something," he said. "I like my chances to play a lot this season."
Veteran linebacker E.J. Henderson reported to training camp early Wednesday, then was excused to take care of a family matter. He's expected to return by Thursday night and participate in the team's first practices Friday.
Second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was one of the first to arrive Wednesday, excited about the opportunity he's been given to be the starter.
"I know what to expect," he said. "My role's different, and I'll get a chance to get more reps. I'm excited that I have a greater chance of playing."
The national expectations for the Vikings are low, in part due to an inexperienced quarterback that is leading an offense that struggled last season.
But Jackson said he's become accustomed to people doubting his abilities.
"When people doubt you, that's extra motivation," he said. "No matter what you do, people will talk. It's not a big deal."
Other than that, it was a typical move-in day for the players.
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"It's like Groundhog Day," said safety Darren Sharper, an 11-year veteran. "I've seen it before."
