Since third grade, Jeff Gladney has punched above his weight class.
The Vikings’ first-round rookie cornerback carries the confidence of Pro Bowler, and a doubtless demeanor started before he ever shut down a top receiver. Now listed 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds, Gladney was the smallest tyke on his youth team, recalled his uncle and coach Wayne Jefferson, but he insisted he was a linebacker.
“It was kind of his decision, because I had him at corner,” Jefferson said. “He’s so small, I mean, he’d have to jump up to hit them in the chest. I always told him, ‘Try to tackle them on the legs,’ and he always ended up jumping to hit them in the chest.