MANKATO — The student in Christian Ponder knows he is going to have to wait a little while before he assumes control of the Minnesota Vikings offense.

He knows this is Donovan McNabb’s unit for now, and that the veteran’s presence will likely be a big help to the rookie’s development over the long term.

The competitor in Ponder wants the starting quarterback job. And he wants it right now.

The 12th overall pick out of Florida State has been getting plenty of repetitions in the first two days of Vikings training camp while McNabb watches and waits for the new league year to begin. He welcomed McNabb with open arms when he was acquired in a trade, but has hardly played the part of the deferential rookie early in camp.