(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Editor’s Note: Vikings’ second-year defensive lineman D’Aundre Reed will share the ups and downs of being in the NFL — from working toward more playing time, to just getting used to Minnesota – for this season-long project. Entry No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3

It’s fitting D’Aundre Reed was on a roller coaster last week, taking in the thrills of ValleySCARE via the Wild Thing and Renegade.

Because the second-year defensive lineman’s experiencing some sizable highs and lows with the Vikings this season.

After not seeing the field for three consecutive weeks, the 24-year-old took part in seven snaps in a loss against the Buccaneers last week.

“That’s a personal record for me (for most plays in a game)” he said. “I got to play defensive end, too.”

The on-field highlights are matched only by his off-the-field pastimes, as he has …

Reminisced on quality time with the girlfriend
She came into town Thursday night (after the Bucs game) and we spent quality time together, went to ValleySCARE, checked out downtown St. Paul, and I took her to the St. Paul Hotel. That place is pretty legit. We also watched “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”
She left that Sunday – her plane left at 7:52 p.m.

Not gotten the least bit scared
I’m 24. I don’t get scared. I know (the people at ValleySCARE) are fake. But it was a good experience. I thought the wooden roller coaster – Renegade – was pretty cool. It’s one of the best I’ve been on.

Seen Mr. Prime Time himself thanks to Thursday Night Football coming to the Metrodome
When (the NFL Network) had the stage set up before the game, I saw Deion Sanders. So that was pretty cool.

Kept his political ideologies to himself
I’ll vote absentee. It’s a big debate right now in the locker room. It could continue on forever, talking about politics. I just stay quiet.

Appreciated volunteering through Play60
It was my second time doing it (spending time with area youth, encouraging being active for 60 minutes a day) and the kids put on a performance for us. They rapped a song. It was pretty cool.

Not found a church to call his own yet
I’d have to go on Saturday, so I usually just stick to Bible study and then chapel with the team.

Impatiently awaited the arrival of “Skyfall“
I’m definitely a James Bond guy. And I think “Wreck-It Ralph” looks really cool, too.