Meet Vikings Linebacker # 57 Rufus Alexander

Rufus Alexander was born on April 12, 1983, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Rufus was raised by his mother Siene, who worked many hours, and raised three children by herself. Rufus' father was in prison, his older brother was in and out of legal trouble, and he had another older brother who was also in and out of trouble. Rufus met the Barham family, David and Melinda, while he was a junior in high school. In need of a stable living environment, the Barhams spoke with his mother about having Rufus move in with them. Rufus was allowed to move in with the Barhams, but he was never legally adopted by them.

David Barham accepted a job as head coach at Christian Life Academy School, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and brought Rufus with them. Rufus Alexander became a dominant player, helping lead his team to two district titles his junior and senior year. David Barham pursued colleges on behalf of Rufus Alexander, who became listed in the top 20 of all linebackers at the high school level. in December of 2001, David Barham came in contact with Oklahoma's Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables, who came and saw Alexander play, and eventually offered him a scholarship. Rufus Alexander joined the Sooners in the 2002 season.

While at Oklahoma, Rufus majored in sociology. He red shirted as a freshman in 2002, and saw his first college action his freshman season against Baylor in 2003, where he notched himself a pair of tackles. In 2003, his sophomore season, Rufus stepped into the starting line up at the weak side linebacker position, and started in 10 of 12 games. He was named Second Team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press, and earned honorable mention by conference coaches. Alexander was ranked third on the team with 74 tackles, and forced a career best, three fumbles with three recoveries. In addition, Alexander had a couple interceptions, and picked up a pair of sacks. He was a key element, to a Sooner defense that limited teams to 10 points or less in 6 of 10 games, and shut out Texas in the Red River game. The Sooners also won the Big 12 title in the championship game at Arrowhead stadium, defeating Colorado 42-3. However, Oklahoma lost to USC in the national Championship game 55-19.

In his 2005 season, Rufus earned First Team All-Big 12, and started in every game for the Sooners at weak side linebacker. Alexander notched a career high 5 sacks, that ranked third on the team. He also paced the Sooners defense that was ranked fourth in the country in rushing, and led the team in tackles with 102. He had a career best 17 tackles for a loss of yardage in that season as well. Rufus and his Sooners also played in the Holiday Bowl, where they defeated Oregon 17-14.

In his final season at Oklahoma, Rufus Alexander was decorated as an All-American Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and became the 10th player in school history to lead the team in tackles two consecutive seasons. He started in all 14 games, and set an Oklahoma record for bowl games with 17 tackles, when they lost to Boise State 43-42 in overtime. Oklahoma did win the Conference Championship in 2006, defeating Nebraska 21-7. In addition to his success in 2006, Alexander was also tabbed First team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, Defensive Player of the Year, and took Second Team Honors from the Walter Camp Foundation. He helped Oklahoma to Big 12 titles in 2004 and 2006, and played against LSU in the 2003 Championship Game, and USC for the 2004 title game. Alexander was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2007 Draft, and went in the sixth round, 176 overall. Alexander had a great career at Oklahoma, with a lot of success.

He was the only linebacker drafted by the Vikings, and the second Oklahoma player drafted in 2007 by Minnesota behind teammate Adrian Peterson who went in the first round and number seven overall. Alexander was also selected as the third defensive player in 2007, behind Texas Defensive End Brian Robison (4th round/102 overall), and Corner Back Marcus McCauley (3rd round/72nd overall. This marked the first time Minnesota has drafted a pair of Oklahoma players in the same season since 1965, when the Vikings drafted Running Back Lance Rentzal (2nd round), and Running Back Jim Grisham (6th round).

In 2007, Alexander has not played for the Vikings. He is assigned to the practice squad, where he continually builds on his talents, as he learns the style of play for the NFL.

BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK RUFUS!!!!

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SKOL ALEXANDER!!!!