EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings used their third-round pick to add to their running backs room with Boise State's Alexander Mattison.
Minnesota initially was slated to make the 81st overall selection but made some trades – four times, to be exact – and ended up grabbing Mattison at the 102nd spot.
Mattison played three seasons for the Broncos and became the first Boise State player to lead the conference in a season by totaling 1,415 rushing yards as a junior in 2018.
"I think my versatility [is a strength]," Mattison told Twin Cities media members via conference calls. "I also think I'm a smart football player, and I make great decisions when I'm on the field and am very instinctive. Along with that, that versatility kind of pays off, and that makes me the back that I am."
Here are five things to know about the Vikings newest running back:
1. Standing out at Boise State
Mattison ranked eighth in the country in rushing yards last season. His 17 touchdowns led the Mountain West conference and ranked seventh in FBS. He posted six 100-yard rushing games, including games against Utah State and Fresno State in which he surpassed 200 yards on the ground each time.
Mattison finished his collegiate career with 2,829 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 581 rushes. He added 60 passes for 511 yards and a score for the Broncos.
2. Spanish-speaking scholar
As a first-grader, Mattison joined the Dual Immersion Program at his school. He remained a part of the program through graduation and is a fluent Spanish speaker.
Mattison was faced with a decision of transferring to a high school more heavily recruited by Division I schools or remaining at San Bernardino High School (California). He opted against leaving the school – and Dual Immersion Program – and went on to graduate with a cumulative 4.7 GPA. He was named a 2016-17 Academic All-Mountain West team.
3. Multi-sport athlete
While attending San Bernardino High School, Mattison was twice named to the San Bernardino Sun First Team (2014-15). He racked up 2,017 and 2,057 yards on the ground as a junior and senior, respectively. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the Inland Valley Football Classic.
Mattison won a league wrestling title at 195 pounds and as a junior was named all-league. He also ran track, winning the Mountain Valley League title in the 110 hurdles.
4. California kid
Mattison joins six other Vikings on the current roster who hail from California: LB Anthony Barr (San Pedro), LB Eric Kendricks (Fresno), QB Sean Mannion (Pleasanton), P Matt Wile (San Diego), TE Cole Hikutini (Elk Grove) and LB Derron Smith (Banning).
Mattison's hometown is located just 31 miles from Smith's hometown and 78 from Barr's.
View images of Vikings new RB Alexander Mattison who was selected in the third round.
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State tight end Alec Dhaenens (87), running back Alexander Mattison (22), and running back Ryan Wolpin (21) kneel in the end zone before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against BYU in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives for a few extra yards on a carry against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Brigham Young linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) looks to make a tackle attempt on Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU linebacker Riggs Powell (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison heads to the bench after scoring a touchdown against Air Force in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs through the tackle attempt by Fresno State defensive end Mykal Walker (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 24-17 over Fresno State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball in the second half against San Diego State in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the diving BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi (90) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) reaches out to hand the ball off to Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) against BYU in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) tries to stay in bounds while being pressured by BYU linebacker Riggs Powell, left, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) tries to stay in bounds while being pressured by BYU linebacker Riggs Powell, left, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, front left, gestures to the bench as running back Alexander Mattison waits for the call of a play in the huddle in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) celebrates tackling Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) for a loss in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against BYU in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Air Force defensive tackle Jordan Jackson, left, comes in to tackle Boise State running back Alexander Mattison after a short gain in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. Boise State won 48-38. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws a swing pass to running back Alexander Mattison against Nevada during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past BYU linebacker Riggs Powell (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 21-16 over BYU.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball as San Diego State safety Parker Baldwin (33) reaches in for a tackle attempt in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against Colorado State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, is hit by Colorado State linebacker Josh Watson (55) on a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes past a Connecticut defender in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
San Diego State defensive lineman Anthony Luke (45) tackles Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, is swarmed by the San Diego State defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, right, runs with the ball against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 56-28 over Colorado State.(AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State's Alexander Mattison runs against Nevada in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by Troy linebacker Justin Whisenhunt (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) dives forward as he is tackled by Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle ,right, in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), center, fights for yards against the San Diego State defense in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball against San Diego State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. San Diego State won 19-13. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22), right receives a hand off from Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien (4) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, center, runs past the Connecticut defense for a 9 yard touchdown run in an NCAA college football game against Connecticut, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) during an NCAA college football game between Boise State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle (25) grabs Boise State running back Alexander Mattison , left, during a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs past the Connecticut defense for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) rushes past a Connecticut defender in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Air Force in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs for a touchdown past Nevada linebacker Lawson Hall during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, left, runs with the ball as Connecticut defensive back Tyler Coyle, center, tries to grab him an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is helped off the field after an injury during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) carries the Bleed Blue flag as Boise State runs on to the field before the game with Connecticut in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) carries the Bleed Blue flag as Boise State runs on to the field before the game with Connecticut in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 62-7. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) leaps over Nevada defensive back Dameon Baber (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. Boise State won 41-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin, right, hands of the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) as they warm up before an NCAA college football game against Troy, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, file photo, Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif. For the second straight week Boise State and No. 25 Fresno State meet. This time it's for the Mountain West Conference championship and the game is in Boise rather than Fresno. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian, File)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) breaks a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison takes a moment before an NCAA college football game against Fresno State for the Mountain West championship in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. Boise State won 17-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Fresno State won 28-17. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Fresno State's George Helmuth stops Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Fresno State won 28-17. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) is tackled by San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) after a pass reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison heads downfield against Fresno State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) scores a touchdown past San Diego State defenders during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Fresno State's Jeffrey Allison upends Boise State's running back Alexander Mattison during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fresno, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison gets past a tackle attempt by Wyoming cornerback Robert Priester during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017. Boise State won 24-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Washington State cornerback Darrien Molton, right, brings down Boise State running back Alexander Mattison during second overtime in an NCAA college football game in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Boise State running back Alexander Mattison (22) fights to get past San Diego State cornerback Ron Smith (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Boise State quarterback Montell Cozart (3) hands off the ball to running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. Boise State won 28-14. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger)
5. Faith-based
During high school, Alexander was **consistently involved with his church**, serving as an usher and media volunteer. He participated in the Power to Change Movement and was featured as a speaker at the Integrated New Families Opportunity graduation at Ecclesia Christian Center in 2015.
He credited his Christian faith for helping him and his family make it through difficult circumstances when he was young.
"I think part of the reason I did make it out was through a strong faith in God. We went to church every Sunday as a family," Mattison **said in October 2018**. "Looking back at that, it's the times you cherish the most; when you remember not wanting to go to church and now you wish you could be home to go to church with your family again. I would say faith played a big role in just keeping my head level and on the right path."
