Now in his 30s, Marcus Sherels is one of the Minnesota Vikings’ elders. Only one teammate, Brian Robison, has been on the squad longer.
Sherels enters the 2018 season in a familiar spot — trying to hang on to his job as punt returner while proving he can still provide value as a reserve cornerback.
The University of Minnesota grad, who made the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in 2010, has survived with the same team for nearly a decade on a series of small one- and two-year contracts, repeatedly fending off challengers and remaining a perpetual threat in the return game.
“Marcus is a baller,” fellow cornerback Terence Newman said earlier in camp. “That dude, all he does is make plays. A Minnesota kid. I can’t say anything else but he’s a baller.”
Sherels holds the following Vikings records:
- Career punt return touchdowns (five)
- Most seasons leading the team in punt returns (seven)
- Most career punt return attempts (208)
- Most career punt return yardage (2,171)
- Highest punt return average in a season (15.2, 2013)
In the return game, first-round pick Mike Hughes split reps with Sherels in the Vikings preseason opener last Saturday. It seems probable that Hughes will eventually be Sherels’ successor unless he becomes too valuable on defense. It’s clear, however, that Sherels still has the chops to return punts, at least for this season. The key question may be Sherels’ value at corner.
“Wherever they need me I’ll be ready to go,” Sherels told Zone Coverage.
The special teams ace faces, perhaps, his greatest challenger this year in 21-year-old Holton Hill, an undrafted prospect out of Texas. The Vikings already have four former first-round picks and a second-round pick presumably comprising the top five corner spots. The potential sixth spot could come down to Sherels, Hill or even second-year player Horace Richardson.
Sherels got picked on at times in OTAs and mini-camp, ending up on the wrong end of several splash plays, but his training camp has been much better. Early on in camp, Sherels intercepted passes on consecutive days, which created a buzz amongst his cornerback cohorts. The group rallies around Sherels after big plays since the soft-spoken Rochester native isn’t exactly a big self-promoter.
“He’s quiet, he’s a consummate pro, goes about his business,” said Newman. “Quiet, doesn’t say anything, not crazy like most of us.”
Versatility is key in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He likes to cross-train his corners on the outside and in the slot. Having been under Zimmer’s watch for the last four seasons, Sherels’ adaptability has improved.
But since Zimmer arrived, the Vikings have had good health at corner, and Sherels has rarely been called upon. The veteran has only played 45 defensive snaps in the last four years. His last opportunity for extended reps came in 2013 when he played nearly half the season.
Nonetheless, he’s always been available.
“His value is that he can play a lot of different spots,” Zimmer said. “He can play nickel, he can play corner, he can go in the dime. All those.”
Defensive coordinator George Edwards echoed Zimmer’s sentiments.
“We have no problem sticking him in there to play nickel, and he plays outside,” said Edwards. “As far as going into the game, having him on the roster, the capabilities if something happens or, package-wise, if we want to use his skill set, we know that he’s right there.”
Sherels credits Zimmer, Newman and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray with helping him grow. At age 30, he has transitioned into a mentor role of his own, assisting in the development of Hughes and Hill, both of whom are vying for his jobs.
“Try to help them out as much as I can,” said Sherels, “any questions, any techniques you see, try to help them out.”
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