https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-defensive-line-forming-a-fraternity-week-3

Vikings Defensive Line Forming a Fraternity

There's a different kind of criteria for admission into this university.

Forget about cramming for SAT or ACT exams. Don't sweat about enrolling in honors courses to boost a grade point average. Extracurriculars are cool but not important. The main thing recruiters are looking for is a certain mindset — one that's determined to grow.

Of course, on-field nastiness is a prerequisite, as well. These players have that in spades.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis on Thursday uncovered what Minnesota's defensive line group has nicknamed themselves: "Young Nasty University" or "YNU" for short. It tracks, for sure.

Jalen Redmond (27 years old) is a star, Levi Drake Rodriguez (26) is on his way to becoming one, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (23) has made significant strides in his second season, Caleb Banks (23) has flashed rare traits and potential, and Domonique Orange (22) is teaching offenses about him. All are still developing. But at the same time, they are anchoring a fearsome defense that leads the NFL in blitz rate and has held teams to 3.8 yards per carry.

Teammates are taking notice.

"That group is a huge part of our success thus far," Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel commented. "Last year, after not stopping the run early, we put a huge emphasis on it. We've got young guys who are coachable, hard workers, and they do everything right."

The lead professor of YNU is Defensive Running Game Coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whom Gink' credited with setting rigorous standards for the fellas up front. Ingram-Dawkins added "[He] doesn't leave any breadcrumbs on the plate. … There's no gray area with anything."

Lewis' story revisits the discovery of Redmond and Rodriguez and explores the blending of personalities and the bond that the entire group is forming.

Here's one excerpt we particularly liked:

All of them invest in the others' promise. They support each other through their highs and lows. That's what real culture looks like in real time.

Take, for example, a moment after Sunday's victory over the Bears. While Rodriguez unwrapped a thick pad around his right hand, I asked him about Redmond's dominant showing.

"Jalen Redmond is a dog," Rodriguez said.

Redmond, sitting one locker over, overheard Rodriguez and looked over at him with some emotion in his eyes.

"That's my freaking brother," he said.

Click to read Lewis' full feature on the young d-linemen making a name for themselves.