Feel free to use whatever sports cliche you would like: “The odds are stacked against him” or  ”His back is against the wall”  or insert your favorite saying here.  But, the fact that Marcus Sherels has made the opening day roster of the Minnesota Vikings is a demonstration of perseverance, work ethic, positive attitude and just plain old “want to”  for that all of us should stand up and applaud.  The Vikings had one of their worst seasons in team history last year and one of the glaring weaknesses was defending the pass.  Sherels was pressed into duty a corner-back due to injuries, suspensions and poor play from the players who started in front of him.  While no one would call Sherels a front line D-Back his real value to the team is as a punt returner and covering both punts and kickoffs.  As you watch the Viking games this season notice how many times Sherels is the player making the tackle on punts and kickoffs.  He has an uncanny ability to avoid the blockers and when he gets to the ball carrier he is a very sure tackler.  What he lacks in size (5’10” 175lbs) he makes up for in tenacity. The Vikings addressed the defensive backfield in the off-season not only through the draft but also bringing in veteran free agents.  And yet, Sherels still made the team.  Obviously we are more than a little biased when it comes to our opinion of Sherels. The Rochester John Marshall standout has more than exceeded expectations in terms of what most thought of his possible football career after high school.  First, walking on to The University of Minnesota and now being a member of the Vikings for a third season.  Quite a story. It would even be better if he were part of a team that wins more games than it loses. 

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