Alexander Mattison: From Boise State Standout to NFL Running Back
Alexander Mattison is an American professional football running back. His journey began in high school and progressed through a successful college career at Boise State University before reaching the National Football League (NFL).
Early Life and High School Career
Born on June 19, 1998, Alexander Mattison attended San Bernardino High School in San Bernardino, California, where he excelled in football. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in each of his final two seasons, amassing 2,017 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior and 2,057 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior. Mattison's high school achievements earned him a selection to the Inland Valley Football Classic following his senior season.
Beyond football, Mattison also participated in track and wrestling. As a senior, he claimed the Mountain Valley League title in the 110m hurdles. His personal bests include 14.95 seconds in the 110m hurdles, 11.34 seconds in the 100 meters, 23.34 seconds in the 200 meters, 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m) in the long jump, and 46 ft 5.5 in (14.161 m) in the shot put. He also won a league wrestling title at 195 pounds and was named all-league as a junior.
College Career at Boise State
Mattison played college football at Boise State University for three seasons. Over 38 games, he compiled 2,828 rushing yards, 511 receiving yards, and 34 total touchdowns. In 2018, as a junior, he rushed for 1,415 yards on 302 carries with 17 touchdowns in 13 games. His outstanding performance in the 2018 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game, where he posted 200 rushing yards and one touchdown, earned him the Offensive MVP award.
NFL Combine and Draft
Leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft, Alexander Mattison participated in the NFL Combine, where he recorded a 74th percentile Burst Score and a 67th-percentile bench press. However, his 40-yard dash time placed him in the 25th percentile, and his Agility Score was in the 47th percentile.
Read also: Alexander's Collegiate Impact
Mattison's college performance and potential led to him being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
NFL Career
Minnesota Vikings (2019-2023)
For his first four seasons in the NFL, Alexander Mattison served as the primary backup to Dalvin Cook on the Vikings' depth chart. Despite limited opportunities as a second-string running back, Mattison consistently produced, rushing for nearly 500 yards in each of those seasons. He particularly shined in Cook's absence, demonstrating his ability to handle a larger workload.
In 2020, during a Week 5 Sunday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Mattison had 20 carries for 112 rushing yards.
When Cook departed in free agency in 2023, Mattison stepped into the starting role. However, his performance did not meet expectations, as he recorded just 641 Yards Created (No. 34) and -37.2 Expected Points Added (No. 47).
Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
The Vikings released Mattison in March 2024, and he subsequently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. During a game against the Rams, he sustained an ankle injury during a game against the Rams. His time with the Raiders was also hampered by additional injuries to the Raiders' running back corps.
Read also: The Incredible Career of Shaun Alexander
Miami Dolphins (2025)
In March 2025, Mattison signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a neck injury.
Personal Life
Mattison is a Christian.
Statistics and Performance
Throughout his college and professional career, Alexander Mattison has demonstrated his capabilities as a running back. While his role has varied from a lead back in college to a backup in the NFL, his consistent production and physical abilities have made him a valuable asset to his teams.
Analysis of Mattison's Strengths and Weaknesses
Mattison's strengths include his burst, demonstrated by his high Burst Score at the NFL Combine, and his power, reflected in his bench press performance. He has proven capable of handling a significant workload and producing effectively when given the opportunity.
Areas for improvement include his speed and agility, as indicated by his lower percentile scores in the 40-yard dash and agility drills at the Combine. While he has been a reliable backup, transitioning into a consistent starting role in the NFL has presented challenges.
Read also: Unlocking Higher Education with the Hadden Scholarship
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