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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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SKOL BOLSTON!!!!

SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Meet Vikings Defensive Back # 41 Charles Gordon

Charles Gordon was born on July 18, 1984, in Los Angeles California. Gordon was recruited by the University of Kansas in 2002 as a wide receiver. He red shirted his freshman season, and caught 57 passes for 769 yards, setting a school record for freshman in passes caught and yards gained. Charles earned first team freshman All-American honors in that season. By season's end, Gordon was one of the teams starting corner backs, in addition to playing wide receiver and punt returner. Gordon averaged 13.1 yards per punt return, which is the highest total by any player since 1949. Charles also set school freshman records with 9 catches in games at Texas A&M and Oklahoma State.

The following season, Charles Gordon was moved to full-time defense, where he lead the nation with 7 interceptions, which is the most by any Jayhawk since 1951. He earned First Team All-Big 12, and Third Team All-American honors. For his efforts, Charles was awarded the Don Frambaugh Award, which is given annually to the teams least selfish player for the 2003 season.

In his junior year, Gordon started in all 12 games. He was First Team All Big 12 for kick returning and punt returning, Second Big 12 team as a defensive back, and and a wide receiver honorable mention. Charles caught 13 passes for 313 yards, rating him the second best receiver on the team that season. Gordon also had 28 tackles with 2 interceptions, and was a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. This award is given annually to the nations best defensive back. Gordon also had 41 punt returns for 398 yards, with an average of 9.7 yards per return. Gordon's longest return went for 54 yards. At season's end, Gordon announced he would forgo his senior year, to enter the NFL Draft. Gordon was un-drafted.

Gordon was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad on May 4, 2006. He was eventually moved to the active roster on November 7, 2006. He made his first career tackle, a tackle for a loss, and a pair of special team tackles, in a game versus Green Bay on December 21. Charles made his first career start against the St. Louis Rams on December 31, 2006. In his first start, Charles made 8 tackles, which gave him a team high for one game that season. Gordon became the fourth Vikings rookie defender to start in 2006, joining the group of CB Cedric Griffin, S Gregg Blue, and DE Ray Edwards.

The Vikings also used Charles to return punts. Gordon made his first NFL punt return against the New York Jets on December 17, 2006, and he got his first NFL forced fumble on kick off coverage in a game versus Arizona. The forced fumble was recovered by a 2005 draftee, Heath Farwell. I recently did a profile on Heath last week. For more information on this player, please refer to that article.

So far in 2007, Charles Gordon has played in all four games for the Minnesota Vikings. Gordon has made two tackles, and both have been solo. Head Coach Brad Childress has not used Charles Gordon as a punt returner this season, although Gordon has only one punt return in his career, and one fumble which he recovered. In his NFL career on defense, Charles has played in 15 games, and made one start. He has 16 tackles, of which 15 were solo, and one assisted, and one forced fumble. Gordon is still looking for his first career sack.

Charles Gordon is still pretty raw. Though he has done well in his college career, and appears to be capable to play professional ball, Gordon will succeed with more playing time, and experience through games and practice. The Vikings may even benefit from using him as a punt returned rather than Adrian Peterson. When Charles Gordon left college, he was the leading punt returner in school history with 999 yards, on 96 returns.

Some noteworthy accomplishments for Charles Gordon outside of of football was: he majored in business, and was selected to the All-Big 12 Academic Team in 2003. He has visited with children and donated game tickets to the Salvation Army. Charles was also the lone un-drafted rookie to make a start in 2006. The other rookies, Cedric Griffin, Greg Blue, and Ray Edwards, were all drafted. Let's give this guy a real chance, and see what he can do. Vikings fans, look for number 41 on special teams, at corner back, and, maybe even punt returns.

LETS SKOL GORDON!!!!

Meet Vikings Tight End # 83 Jeff Dugan

Jeff Dugan was born on April 8, 1981, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jeff attended Central Catholic High School, a Roman Catholic college preparatory school for boys in Pittsburgh. This is the same school where NFL legend Dan Marino attended, and NFL great Mark Bulger. While at Central, Dugan was the team captain his senior year, earned all-league honors as a defensive end and tight end, and was rated as one of the top tight end prospects in Pennsylvania. Jeff also competed in the shot put on the track and field team. Dugan graduated high school in 1999, and attended the University of Maryland in 2000.

While at Maryland, Dugan double majored, earning his bachelors degree in business and finance. Jeff volunteered with school hospital visits. He was named the Freshman of the Year, was selected to the Freshman All-American 3rd team by The Sports Page, took over the starting position after the season opener as a tight end, and ranked 2nd on the team with career high 25 receptions for 319 yards, and a touch down. Jeff also recorded 3 tackles, and recovered a fumble. Dugan earned his first career start in week two against West Virginia, and posted 4 receptions for 64 yards. Dugan's career high game came in week three of this season, where he caught 5 passes for 91 yard versus Middle Tennessee.

In 2001, Dugan started in 10 of 13 games, but was used primarily as a blocker. He recorded 7 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. In 2002, Dugan was named to the All-ACC honorable mention list, and started in every game that season. Dugan recorded 9 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. He opened the season versus Notre Dame, and caught 2 passes for 25 yards, and had a 25 yard reception versus Florida State. Dugan also recorded 2 receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown against Clemson. With numbers like theses, it makes me wonder why coaches don't use guys like Dugan more often. Dugan would average about 8 yards per catch.

In his final season with Maryland, Jeff earned Second Team All-ACC honors, and started in every game but one. Dugan made 14 catches for 175 yards. Eight of his catches set up Maryland touchdowns. Dugan averaged 12.5 yards per reception in 2003. Jeff recorded 2 catches for 22 yards versus the Citadel, 3 receptions for 50 yards versus West Virginia, and three catches for 40 yards against Virginia. Another very good year by Dugan. Jeff graduated for Maryland, and entered the 2004 Draft. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings, in the second round, and went 220 overall, and became one of two players ever drafted by the Vikings from Maryland. The other Terrapin drafted was E. J. Henderson.

In 2004, Dugan's rookie season, he played in 14 of 16 regular season games, made two starts, and played in two playoff games. Dugan played in the third most games, for Viking rookies that season. Jeff had a career high three tackles on special teams in a game against Green Bay on November 14th, notched a special teams tackle versus Detroit, and made his first career start on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 20th. Jeff's 2005 season consisted of only one game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 2nd. He was then listed as inactive for 15 regular season games. Dugan made his first career playoff start versus Green Bay, on January 9, 2005. Although Jeff was inactive for those 15 games that season, it was never listed as injury related.

In 2006, Jeff made his transition from tight end to full back, when Tony Richardson had a season ending injury. Dugan handled the transition admirably, and assisted Chester Taylor, as he ran for 1,214 yards, which became the fourth highest in Vikings history. Dugan also helped a pair of running backs rush for 100+ yards in the final seven games of the season. Jeff contributed on special teams as well.

Dugan has proven himself to be very beneficial for the Vikings. Along with his receiving skills, Jeff also has the ability to line up in the back field as a full back. He was a key contributor to Chester Taylor's success last season with his blocking skills, and can also play on special teams. Dugan is a very good teammate, and will play any position he is needed in. Dugan proved this true, with his transition from tight end to full back. Dugan was a part of a very impressive draft class in 2004, which saw 6 of 8 players make a start in their rookie season.

In 2007, Jeff has played in all four games. He has 2 receptions for 24 yards, with the longest going for 13 yards versus Green Bay. Jeff also had one rushing attempt for 3 yards in his game against the Packers. Keep your eyes and ears on this guy Viking fans. With everyone wondering what exactly is Brad Childress' offensive scheme, Dugan could make some very key plays in the backfield, or even catch a few passes. This all depends on what Brad Childress does with Jeff Dugan. Look on the field for number 83, and see what he really can do for the Vikings. I bet it will be great.

SKOL DUGAN!!!!!!

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!

Meet Vikings Defensive End # 91 Ray Edwards

Ray Edwards was born on January 1, 1985, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended school at Woodward High School in Cincinnati, and lettered in football. Edwards was a two-year starter, and posted 12 sacks, 110 tackles and seven forced fumbles. Edwards does not come from an extensive family background in athletics. He has a cousin, Tyrone Hill, who played in the NBA for about 10 years. Hill played for the Golden State (1990-1993), Cleveland (1993-1997 & 2001-2003), Milwaukee (1997), Philadelphia (1998-2001 & 2003), and Miami 2003-2004). Edwards has another cousin who played local basketball, and his uncle played football for Iowa State. He comes from a rather small family, with two sisters and a brother.

Ray Edwards was pretty highly regarded coming out of high school. He was ranked the 9th player in Ohio, and 16th overall in the strong side defensive end position nationally by rivals.com. Edwards played many different positions in high school, including middle line backer and nose tackle. He also played some offense. Ray was ranked the 24th player overall in the mid-west by SuperPrep, and was listed as the 14th defensive end by Tom Lemmings. Ray was also named to the all-state first team and league Player of the Year in his senior year. Edwards recorded 110 tackles, 12 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 5 pass break ups.

In 2003, Edwards signed his letter of intent with the Purdue Boilermakers, and played there until he entered the NFL draft in 2005. Edwards was originally committed to Tennessee, but decided to go with Purdue instead. Edwards chose Purdue over Tennessee due to his good relationship with San Diego Chargers DE Shaun Phillips, who also played at Purdue.

Edwards credits Phillips for helping him get off the ball faster, because Phillips had a great first step. Edwards also credited Phillips for teaching him how to get to the quarterback better, and stated Phillips really knew how to disturb blocking schemes. Ray also indicated he looked up to Phillips almost as a big brother, and really liked Purdue's DE Coach, ( the 49ers former DE Coach) Gary Emanuel.

While at Purdue, Edwards took up a degree in Physical Education. Ray played in all 13 games his freshman year as a reserve. He was the Big Ten all-freshman choice by The Sporting News, and recorded 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Edwards was used mostly on third down passing situations. Ray posted his first career sack against Penn State, recovered a fumble against Northwestern, and another sack in a game against Iowa. He also recorded a season high two tackles in games versus Wake Forest, Arizona, and Penn State. Pretty good numbers for a guy who was used in situational plays only.

In Edward's second year at Penn State, Ray started in all 12 games, he was a semi-finalist for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, shared the lead with Rob Ninkovich, and ranked tied for second in Big Ten sacks with 8.0. The 8.0 sacks also tied him for 11th on the Purdue all-time record for single season sacks. Ray was ranked 9th in the Big ten with 2 forced fumbles, and was second on the team with 11 tackles for a loss of yardage. Ray has a career high 2.5 tackles for loss or yards against Syracuse, had a career high 5 tackles in a game at Illinois, and saved the game for the Boilermakers, by recovering a fumble with 34 seconds left, to stop an Illini comeback. Edwards had a stellar game versus Notre Dame, where he recorded 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and equalled a career high 5 tackles. Edwards matched his career high 5 tackles in a game at Northwestern, and one at home against Ohio State. Ray also played in the Sun Bowl, where he posted 5 tackles, and forced a fumble against the Arizona Sun Devils.

In his final season with Purdue, Ray Edwards was named to the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year watch list, he started in 6 of 11 games for the Boilermakers, ranked second on the team with 11 tackles for a loss of yards, and 5.5 sacks. Edwards also recorded his first career interception against Indiana, and also had four tackles on 3 different occasions. After the final game of the 2005 season, Edwards announced he would enter to NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings selected Ray Edwards in the fourth round (127th overall), which they acquired from Indianapolis through Philadelphia, in the Artis Hicks trade. This selection made Edwards the first selection from Purdue for Minnesota since 1976, and he joined fellow defensive ends Darrion Scott (2004 Ohio State) and Erasmus James (2005 Wisconsin), as a Vikings draftee from the Big Ten in three consecutive years. In his rookie season with the Vikings, Edwards played in 15 of 16 games, and started in 2 of the final 4 games. Edwards was tied for 3rd on the team with 3.0 sacks, posted his first career sacks bringing down Buffalo's J.P. Losman, and followed that up with a sack the following week on Jon Kitna against Detroit. In his start versus Green Bay on December 21, 2006, he became the first Viking to block a field goal since Eric Kelley did it against the Giants on November 11, 2002.

In 2007, Edwards will factor into the Vikings rotation, and made his presence known as a rookie with his pass rushing abilities. Already in 2007, Ray Edwards has started in all four games, has made 10 tackles (7 solo and 3 Assists), with 1.5 sacks.

Keep your eye on Ray Edwards this season. he already has matched his tackles from last season, and has 1.5 sacks with three-fourths of the season to play. Edwards has only been listed as inactive for one game in his two seasons as a Viking. He does not appear to be injury prone, and should be a big impact for this Viking Defense.

SKOL EDWARDS!!!!

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Meet Vikings Running Back # 28 Adrian Peterson

I have been doing player profiles this week, and will be doing about one a day for the next 70 days, taking a day off from profile to do game reviews, and game recaps. This week one of our readers stated they liked the player profiles, but inquired if i was going to do one on our newest running back, and rookie sensation Adrian Peterson. My response was YES, but not for a couple of weeks. Well, this week, Adrian Peterson was named "Offensive Rookie of the Month." I now find it necessary to do Adrian's profile much sooner than anticipated, and highlight his newest achievement as Player of the Month.

Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, in Palistine, Texas. His parents are Nelson Peterson, and Bonita Jackson. Adrian comes from an athletic family, where his father played basketball at Idaho State University, and his mother was a track and field star at the University of Houston. Peterson's uncle, Ivory Lee Brown played professional football in the NFL for one season with the Phoenix Cardinals in 1992. Adrian has dealt with family crisis all his life. He was 13 years old, when his father Nelson Peterson was sentenced to ten years in prison for money laundering, and being in connection with illegal drugs. Nelson served nearly eight years in prison, and was released in 2006. Adrian also had to deal with the death of his brother Brian Peterson, who was killed at the age of 9 by a drunken driver, and his step brother Chris Paris who was shot and killed in Houston, Texas, one day before Adrian was set to compete in the NFL Scouting Combine. Adrian is now the proud father of one daughter, Adeja Peterson, and is now living in Eden Prairie with her and his brother Derrick Peterson.

Adrian has been interested in football since childhood, and began playing at the age of seven. He participated in the Pop Warner Football League. He continued his interest in athletics through high school, where he participated in track and field, basketball, and football at Palistine High School, in Palistine, Texas. Adrian was most notable in football, where he played in his junior and senior years, and became the top college recruit his senior year.

As a senior in 2003, Adrian rushed for 2,960 yards, on 252 attempts. An average of 11.7 yards, and scored 32 touchdowns. At the end of his high school career, Adrian competed in the Army All-American Bowl, where he was named the games MVP. He lead the west squad with 95 yards on 9 carries, scored two touchdowns, and announced at the game he would attend college at Oklahoma. Adrian's announcement disappointed six major colleges in USC, University of Texas, Austin, University of California, Los Angeles, university of Arkansas, and the University of Miami. Adrian Peterson was also named top high school player, by College Football News, and Rivals.com.

In Adrian Peterson's freshman year, he broke many NCAA freshman records. He rushed for 1,925 yards, and lead the nation in carries with 339. Peterson was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing second to USC Quarterback Matt Leinart, making his mark early, as the highest qualifier ever for a freshman. Peterson was also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Adrian was also recognized for the Associated Press All-American Team. He contributed for the undefeated season for the Sooners, and participated in the 2005 BSC National Championship game, with the birth to the Fed-Ex Orange Bowl. During the 2005 season, Adrian had a high ankle sprain in the first Big 12 Conference game against Kansas State University. Despite missing four games, he still rushed for 1,108 yards, 14 touchdowns, on 220 carries. He also ran for a career long 84 yard touchdown against Oklahoma State University.

In 2006, Nelson Peterson was released from prison, and was able to watch his son as a spectator for the first time on October 14, 2006, against Iowa State University. Although Oklahoma won the game, Adrian broke his collar bone diving into the end zone on a 53 yard touchdown run. During a press conference on October 18th, Adrian stated he was told by doctors to expect to be out 4-6 weeks. At the time of the injury, Peterson only needed 150 yards to pass the career mark of Oklahoma stand out Billy Sims, for the all-time leading rusher. Adrian was unable to return for the rest of the regular season, but did return for the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Boise State, where he rushed for 77 yards. Adrian concluded his college career with 1,012 yards rushing in his final season, and a career total of 4,045 yards. Peterson was 74 yards short of passing Billy Sims record of 4,119 career yards, and being named as Oklahoma's all-time leading rusher.

On January 15, 2007, Peterson declared he would enter the NFL draft, and not play college football his senior year. Many NFL teams had concerns about Adrian's injuries sustained in college. Peterson played in 22 of 31 games his college career, and missed games due to a dislocated shoulder his freshman year, a high ankle sprain his sophomore season, and a broken collar bone in his final season with Oklahoma. Prior to the draft, professional scouts compared him to the likes of Eric Dickerson. Peterson was also considered by some as the best player in the draft, and if not, he was in the top three.

On April 27, 2007, Adrian Peterson was selected as the seventh pick in the NFL draft. He was the first running back selected, and announced that his collar bone would stay 90% healed. There was also a possibility of surgery to fix the collar bone injury 100%, but it was revealed by doctors he would not need the surgery. On July 29th, Peterson signed a five-year $17 million guaranteed contract with the Vikings. Peterson's contract is worth $40.5 million.

On August 10, 2007, Peterson made his Minnesota Vikings debut in a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams. Peterson ran for 33 yards on 11 carries with one catch for 2 yards. On September 9, 2007, Peterson ran for 103 yards on nineteen carries in his first NFL regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons. In addition to his rushing yardage, he scored his first professional football touchdown on a sixty yard pass reception. Over his first three regular season games, his 431 yards (271 rushing & 160 receiving) from scrimmage are a team record. Peterson has also tied Vikings legend Chuck Foreman's record with three games where he rushed for over 100 yards. Peterson was also named this week as the NFL Rookie of the Month.

I believe that Adrian Peterson will do what he said. After being selected 7th overall in the 2007 Draft, he indicated he was going to make a lot of teams who passed him up wish they selected him earlier in the draft. With Adrian already having three games of 100 yards or more in his first four games, I see many teams envious of our Vikings. we can now say that so far this season, Adrian Peterson has lived up to the hype that follows him, and as long as he can stay healthy, will give the Vikings a definite power house in the back field.

SKOL PETERSON

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Meet Vikings Corner Back # 23 Cedric Griffin

Cedric Griffin was born in Natchez, Mississippi, on November 11, 1982. He played football, and graduated from Holmes High School, in San Antonia, Texas. During his high school years, Cedric played for Head Coach David Sanchez. In Griffin's senior season at Holmes, he played defensive back, where he earned All-Class 5A honors in 2000. Cedric also played some wide receiver, catching eight passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Griffin also ran back kick offs, one for 95 yards, and two 95 yard punt returns. As a corner back, he made 26 tackles and seven interceptions. While playing at Holmes High School, Cedric played in a state tournament, where his squad fell one game short of a state championship.

Cedric Griffin was a two sport athlete. In addition to football, he also ran in track. Other standout athletes who played with Griffin on the Holmes football squad include Olympic Gold Medalist in 4x400 meter relay Darold Williamson, Robert Quiroga of the Arena Football League, standout defensive tackle at Baylor University Michael Gary, and Division II All-American quarterback from Texas Lutheran University Sean Salinas.

Cedric Griffin went to college at the University of Texas, where he majored in community studies. Griffin red shirted in 2001, his freshman season. The following four seasons, Cedric played in all 55 games, and started in 44 of those games. Griffin recorded 271 tackles (171 solo), broke up 32 passes, and had three interceptions for 29 returned yards. In 2002, he was an honorable mention in the All-Big 12 conference by the coaches for the 2004 season. As a senior on the Texas University National Championship team, Cedric was a key part of the pass defense, that was ranked 8th in the nation, allowing only 172 yards, and 4th in the nation with pass efficiency at 96.7 percent. In Texas' 41-38 victory over USC, he made eight tackles, of which eight were solo. Cedric griffin graduated from Texas in 2006, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round.

Griffin entered training camp expected to be the nickel or dime back (3rd or 4th corner back). However, when starter Dovonte Edwards went down with a broken arm in a preseason game, the Vikings went with Ronyell Whitaker, who proved to be ineffective. Griffin began to get more and more playing time as the season wore on, and Griffin eventually took the spot over from prized free agent signing Fred Smoot. Smoot is no longer a Viking. Cedric Griffin got his first NFL start at Right Corner back in Chicago, on September 24, 2006.

As a rookie, Griffin lead the Viking rookie class with seven starts. He earned NFC Division Player of the Week honors for his performance at Detroit, when he forced a fumble on the opening kick off, had one fumble recovery, and one interception. Griffin was the only Viking to earn Defensive player of the Week for that season, and the first dime back to earn the award since Brian Williams did it in 2003. Cedric Griffin's first career interception came on October 22, 2006, when he picked off a pass from Seattle's Seneca Wallace, and two months later had his career game vs Detroit, where he got his second professional pick off Jon Kitna.

In Griffin's very short stay with the Vikings, he has had only one injury, where he missed the final game of last season. Griffin injured his neck in the second to last game of the season against the Green Bay Packers. Cedric has a son Swayde, a girlfriend Kelly, who he hopes to marry, and has been active in the community. He has visited the salvation Army in Minneapolis, and has donated tickets for Viking games. Cedric Griffin has been involved in one disorderly conduct case for assault, but that matter has been resolve. Cedric Griffin made his apologies, and has been clean ever since. Griffin is a very supportive teammate, and a positive role model. Griffin has not been involved in any major incidences, and is still active in the Minneapolis community. Keep up the good work Cedric.

SKOL CEDRIC!!!!

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!

Meet Vikings Safety # 21 Mike Doss

Mike Doss was born on March 24th 1981, in Canton, Ohio. He attended school in Canton, at McKinley High School, where he helped them win back to back state titles, as well as the USA National Championships as running back and safety. As a senior, Doss ran for 1,454 yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 tackles, and three interceptions. Doss also won all-state honors, and honorable mention as an All-American by USA Today.

Mike entered college at Ohio State University, where he began his career as a starter. Mike started 40 of 50 career college games, and was a three-time All Big Ten selection, and a three time All-American choice by The Sporting News. In all 40 games, Doss totaled 331 career tackles, eight interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, and six sacks. He started all 14 games as a senior, and was one of the reasons why Ohio State won the National Championship against the University of Miami, in the Fiesta Bowl. Mike had nine tackles and one interception in that game. Doss was also a consensus First Team All-American, a Big Ten "Defensive Player of the Year" and a two-time finalist for the Jim Thorp award. Mike Doss was drafted in the second round in 2003, by the Indianapolis Colts.

While playing for the Colts, Doss started as a strong safety in 15 of 16 games in 2003. Mike recorded 101 tackles and one interception. In 2004, Mike started in 9 of 10 games. Mike was sidelined that year by two separate injuries. A hamstring pull, sidelined him for four games, and he was later sidelined by a groin injury. Despite Mike's ability to stay healthy, he still recorded 49 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. One of which was for a 32 yard return.

In 2005, Doss was the Colts starter at strong safety in 14 of 15 games, and one playoff game vs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doss notched 97 tackles, which is his second highest totals of his career, while matching a career high 2 interceptions on the season. Doss recorded 131 tackles in 2003 as a career high. Mike Doss also recorded nine tackles in a game vs the Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams. In his final season with Indianapolis Colts in 2006, Mike started in 4 of 6 games. In the six games, Doss matched his season high with 2 interceptions, and had the second longest pick return of 31 yards against Tennessee. Doss had a season ending knee injury against the Washington Redskins on October 22, and was a big supporter of his teammates through their Super Bowl run. Doss was a great teammate through his entire career.

The Minnesota Vikings picked up Mike Doss as a free agent on April 4, 2007. So far in 2007, Doss has played in 2 of 4 games, and has one tackle. With Doss' injury in 2006, Childress may be watching to see how his knees are holding up this season. Doss has been a valuable player for the Colts in his four seasons there, and should continue to be a valuable player here in Minnesota. Look for Doss to get more playing time as the season goes on.

Although Mike Doss was drafted in 2003 with Indianapolis, he still continues to work on earning his degree in communications at Ohio State University during the off season. Doss supports education initiative through the Mike Doss foundation. Mike has also sponsored an Art Contest for kids during his career with the Colts. Mike did take part in an NFL film which focused on the history of football in Canton, Ohio. Doss is searching for a career in sportscasting when he retires from football. The only blip in Doss's career came in 2005, when he was charged with a felony weapons charge and three misdemeanor charges in Akron, Ohio after police estimated hearing five to six gunshots outside a local restaurant. He was sentenced to 40 hours of community service and a one thousand dollar fine after pleading no contest to the charges. Colts coach Tony Dungy has said Doss would be disciplined by the team.

Mike Doss will be a very nice pick up for the Minnesota Vikings. His abilities on the field should help out the Vikings terrible pass defense. Although Doss only records about two interceptions a year, his perseverance and willingness to learn are of high quality. Look for Mike Doss to get more playing time, and to contribute to our Viking defense.

SKOL DOSS!!!!!!!!

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SKOL VIKINGS!!!!