GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Former University of North Dakota standout Dominique Hawkins will be vying to take his football talents to the professional ranks this weekend as he has been invited to try out for the Minnesota Vikings. The Plymouth, Minn. native will be one of approximately 60 players attending the Vikings’ rookie mini camp Thursday through Sunday at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minn.
Hawkins will join the 10 collegiate players drafted by the Vikings this past weekend, but he will be among the majority of players there looking to land a contract by impressing the Purple and Gold’s coaching staff.
“This is a great opportunity and chance for me to continue playing the sport I love,” Hawkins said. “Hopefully, all goes well and they are impressed with what I have to offer the team.”
Hawkins played in the FCS Senior Scout Bowl in February and was part of the 2011 Fighting Sioux team that won a share of the Great West Conference Championship. He also worked out for a number of NFL scouts during a pro day at the University of Minnesota and one at the Fargodome held earlier this spring.
He started all four years during his career at UND, but made the switch from cornerback to safety for his final season. He was tied for fourth on the team with 32 tackles and shared the team lead with seven pass breakups after starting all 11 games.
Hawkins was also a prolific kick returner during his four seasons for the Sioux, averaging 23.5 yards per return during his career. He also returned three of his seven career interceptions for touchdowns.
– Go Sioux –
