Minnesota Vikings CB Mackensie Alexander is very confident

Newly drafted Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander is confident in his skills, and that is because of how he was raised and his work ethic.

The Minnesota Vikings surprised a lot of folks during day 2 of the 2016 NFL Draft when they used their second round selection on Clemson defensive back Mackensie Alexander. Many fans expected the team to stick to drafting for need, however when a talented cornerback was on the board that the team loved, general manager Rick Spielman didn’t hesitate to call his name on draft day.

Many fans had no clue who Mackensie Alexander was because they didn’t expect the team to use a high pick on a cornerback after investing in guys like Rhodes, Waynes, Munnerlyn, and Newman. Because of this, they immediately pounded the table when Alexander was the pick over a guy like safety Vonn Bell.

However, a deeper look at Alexander shows a player who works hard to be the best at his craft and isn’t afraid to let everyone know just how much effort he puts into being the most prepared player on the football field. According to an article on from Joe Eberle VikingsJournal.com:

"“Where I come from, you only gain confidence if you work at it and you know you put in the work and you go out and compete,” he said. “That is where the confidence comes from. Working out every day, grinding. It’s having a work ethic and that is what I have. My parents instilled that in me, so that is where my confidence comes from. My town has really molded me to be that guy, that is where it comes from.”"

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And the story of Alexander’s parents is another interesting one. Hearing him talk about his people’s struggles and why he works so hard to better himself and his family is truly an inspiring story and one that more Minnesota Vikings fans should be aware of.

"“I grew up around people who just work, work, work. In my town, it teaches you to work and strive for something because there is nothing around but for you to work and go in the hot sun and pick tomatoes and pick oranges and go work at the factory. You are around a bunch of immigrants and they don’t have any other choice but to go and do those jobs, so it was important for me, for my family, to bring me here and have me here so I can do better for myself and eventually help them out.”"

To go along with his confidence is a level of thankful sincerity, as well as the willingness to do whatever it takes to grow and develop within the team.

"“I am just happy the Vikings made this move today. Coach Zimmer really believes in me and you know he knows about the cornerback position and how I compete. I am thankful and I’m grateful,” he said. “I am willing to do anything the coaching staff wants me to do. I am up for the task. Whatever they ask me to do, that is what I will be doing.”"

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You can see new Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander during the team’s 2016 NFL season, when they will move into their new home of U.S. Bank Stadium and attempt to defend the NFC North championship. Hopefully, he can show fans skeptical of the pick just how talented he is and why the Vikings wanted to make him a part of their franchise going forward.

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