Kevin O'Connell recently had high praise for one of his rookies. 

When speaking on Saturday, KOC was asked about the impact of rookie undrafted free agent Ivan Pace Jr. 

Safe to say, the coach has been thrilled with what he's seen from the young linebacker thus far. 

KOC was asked about how far Pace has come as a player since this summer. 

"That was one of the great things about Ivan is just how he started out even going back to the very first time he stepped on the grass at rookie mini camp," O'Connell explained. "He stood out. Then, you're just kind of waiting for when's that drop off going to be." 

However, that drop off has not come yet. Pace has played in every game for the Vikes this season. The rookie has 46 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 pass defense, and 1 forced fumble. 

"When are those times where he's going to look like a rookie and rightly so as an undrafted guy that made our team, and it just never really happened," the coach raved. 

Pace was listed as a backup on the season's initial depth chart. However, the rookie has ended up starting for the Vikes, relegating Brian Asamoah II to a reserve role. 

Kevin O’Connell speaks on star player’s availability

The Vikings’ coach updated on Justin Jefferson.

Featured image via © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports