CRANBERRY TWP — Last summer, Brandon Fusco was an NFL survivor.

This summer, he hopes to become an NFL starter.

The Seneca Valley High School and Slippery Rock University graduate will report July 26 for his second season with the Minnesota Vikings as No. 1 on the team depth chart at right guard.

“At this time last year, I had to adjust to the speed and strength of the game at the pro level,” Fusco said. “I’ll admit it ... I was a little nervous about things.”

As a sixth-round draft choice, Fusco made the Vikings’ 53-man roster and saw action in three games. He was the team’s back-up center.

But after enduring a 3-13 season — including nine losses by seven points or fewer — the Vikings revamped their offensive line.

Veterans Steve Hutchinson and Anthony Herrera were released. USC tackle Matt Kalil was the fourth pick overall in the NFL draft and is penciled in as the starter at left tackle.

“When you go 3-13, you have to fix stuff,” Fusco said. “I’ve grown pretty comfortable at guard over the past year. I’ve seen a lot of practice time there.”

Charlie Johnson, a seven-year veteran, is moving from left tackle to left guard. Veteran John Sullivan returns at center, Phil Loadholt at right tackle and Fusco has been moved to right guard.

“I worked as the No. 1 guy there through OTA’s and mini-camp,” Fusco said. “The job is mine to lose, but I’m being pushed hard. This is an opportunity I don’t want to waste.”

The Vikings signed guard Geoff Schwartz, a three-year veteran from the Carolina Panthers, as a free agent during the off-season. The University of Oregon product started all 16 games for Carolina in 2010 before missing all of last season with a hip injury.

Schwartz is 6-foot-6, 331 pounds. Fusco is listed at 6-4, 306.

“Basically, the job will be on the line all through training camp and the preseason games,” Fusco said. “May the best man win. I’m fine with that.”

After two weeks of training camp, the Vikings open their preseason schedule Aug. 10 at San Francisco.

What Fusco wasn’t fine with was last year’s 3-13 record.

“Football is miserable when you lose,” he said. “The ball didn’t bounce our way in a number of games last season. It was one of those years.

“I want to help this team get back to the playoffs. My personal goal is to become an All-Pro down the road and, definitely, to be a starter this year.”

Fusco is still getting reps at center as well, though seven-year veteran Joe Berger — like Fusco, a Division II college player (Michigan Tech) — is the backup to Sullivan.

The Vikings have five rookie offensive linemen in camp overall.

“I feel good that I’m still here, that the team is showing faith in me,” Fusco said. “We’re all part of a youth movement up front here. They’re trying to construct a line that’s going to be good together for a long time.

“Phil Loadholt has been great to me, helping me adjust to schemes and where pressure may come from on different plays, different looks. He’s an extremely intelligent player and having him line up next to me is a big benefit.”

The Vikings have had their share of off-field distractions to deal with recently. All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson was arrested in Texas and receiver-return specialist Percy Harvin has threatened to hold out if he isn’t traded.

“We see that stuff on ESPN just like everybody else,” Fusco said. “We just try to stay out of everyone’s business.

“You want everybody to be happy, but we all have our jobs to protect. The front office can deal with those issues. I’m getting ready to play football.”