Meet Vikings Defensive Tackle # 60 Conrad Bolston

Conrad Bolston was born on January 9, 1985. He is the son of Adria and Norman Bolston. Conrad was born in Burtonsville, Maryland, and attended St. John's High School. While in school, Conrad was a two-way starter at defensive tackle, and offensive tackle. As a senior in 2002, he was the first team All-Met Defense choice, and First team All-WCAC all team, in addition to being named All-Team Pigskin club in Washington DC. Bolston was also named to the SuperPrep All-American team as a lineman. Conrad averaged close to 85 snaps per game playing both offense and defense. He led his team in both tackles and sacks, and was the top player on defense, who held the opposition to 14.5ppg, as a junior. He recorded 55 tackles, with 14 sacks and caused two fumbles, as he earned his way to All-City honors on both sides of the ball. He was also named to the second team All-Met by the Washington Post. Conrad was also a wrester in high school, and posted a 48-4 record, with 44 pins as a junior. After graduating from St. Johns, Conrad Bolston had at least 14 scholarship offers including Ohio State, Boston College, Florida, Tennessee, Maryland, and Penn State among others. Bolston chose Maryland.

While at Maryland, Conrad Bolston majored in environmental science and policy environmental politics. In his football career, Conrad Bolston saw spot duty in 9 games with the Terrapins his freshman year, and finished the season with 7 tackles, 2 for a loss and one sack. In 2004, Conrad had much more playing time, starting in 10 of 11 games. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 9 solo, and was tied for third on the team with 2.5 sacks. He also had 1 batted down passe, 5 tackles for a loss, and 5 quarterback hurries. In a game versus North Carolina State University, he had four tackles, one solo, and two tackles for a loss. His career high game came against West Virginia, where he posted 6 tackles, one solo, and recorded his second career sack. The game versus West Virginia, was his first career start as a Terp.

In his Junior season, Conrad played at nose tackle in 11 games. He posted 38 tackles, of which 17 were solo. He had career highs in tackles for a loss at 5.5, and sacks 5.0. He led the team in sacks, and was tied for third in tackles for a loss, and led all Terp lineman in tackles. In a game against Boston College, he registered 5 tackles, and recorded his 4th sack of the season. He also forced a fumble. In games versus Florida State, Virginia, and Wake Forest, he registered three tackles, and had one for a loss in each game. He also had a sack against Virginia, and recovered a fumble against Wake Forest, giving Maryland a 1st and 10 on the Wake Forest 15 yard line.

In his final year, Bolston played at defensive tackle, and started in 11 games. He tallied 35 stops on the season, including 3.5 tackles for a loss. He was the preseason second team All-ACC choice by Athlon and the Sporting News. He was also the 16th rated defensive back in the nation by the Sporting News entering the season. Conrad participated in the Champs Sports Bowl, where he recorded 4 tackles and a sack. Bolston had his season high game against Miami, recording 5 tackles, one solo. In games versus Wake Forest, Florida State, and Clemson, he recorded 3 tackles in each game, had one tackle for a loss, a near interception, and broke up another pass.

Conrad was an anchor on the defensive line his senior year. He was a three season starter, who was a member of the 2006 Outland Trophy. He is a powerful player, with the ability to get up field while playing the pass as well as the run. He had a quick first step, with a good push into the offensive line. Bolston had a career 44 games at Maryland, with 29 starts. This was the tops among defensive lineman for the 2006 season. Conrad also played for the Aina team in the Hula Bowl in 2007, and recorded the second highest strength index on the team.

Conrad was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on May 4, 2007. He has been expected to press for a position as a defensive tackle. Conrad has not yet played this season, but is listed on the Vikings practice squad. Conrad is a future player for the Minnesota Vikings, and with all his abilities, should be a real asset to our Vikings team. With his pass rushing capabilities in college, all Conrad needs is some extra work in practice, work very hard on their practice squad, and continue with his willingness to learn attitude. Conrad is a very hard worker, with the ability to move quickly, and get a good push into the offensive line. He is an impact player, with a lot of physical strength.

GOOD LUCK CONRAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

&

SKOL BOLSTON!!!!

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!