When the St. Louis Rams drafted Az-Zahir Hakim from San Diego State University, they knew that they had a young prospect with big play capabilities both as a receiver and kick returner.

Last year, Az became the first Ram since RB Cleveland Gary to score touchdowns rushing and receiving in the same game when he accomplished the feat December 13, 1998, against the New England Patriots.

During the 1999 preseason, Hakim led the NFL in punt returns, averaging 28.4 yards per return. He returned two punts for touchdowns against the Chargers for 89 yards and 80 yards respectively.

When Hakim lines up at wide receiver, Az creates additional problems for opposing cornerbacks utilizing his blazing speed on passing routes. Hakim caught three passes for touchdowns and returned an 84-yard punt for a touchdown against Cincinnati in Week 4 helping the Rams defeat the Bengals, 38-10. Hakim placed second, behind Pro Bowler Isaac Bruce, with eight touchdown receptions during the 1999 season.

"It does not matter which position I play, wide receiver or punt returner," said Hakim. "I enjoy playing football and I will do anything to help this team win. I just love being on the field. I don’t have a preference whether it is offense or special teams. I just want to come and help this team win games on Sundays." Hakim has an innate ability of moving up field after he catches the ball. Hakim ranked fourth in receptions (36) and receiving yards (677) on the team. Prior to the season, most defensive coordinators and opposing corner backs often focused their pass coverage on fellow teammates Bruce and rookie wideout Torry Holt.

"It is definitely a blessing in disguise for me," he said "It is difficult for cornerbacks to cover us when we run our four-wide receiver set. It will be just as difficult to cover us with Marshall (Faulk) rolling out from the backfield. I support whatever this team can do to get a edge on our opponents."

"Speed is just something that I am blessed to have," he continued. "It is a God-given talent that comes with a little natural ability. I have been able to do that throughout my high school, college and hopefully the rest of the professional career. I work hard on my speed and timing routes on the practice field."

Hakim attributes the Rams' success this season to Coach Dick Vermeil's decision to hold back from last season. The Rams do not go full contact during rigorous two and a half-hour practice sessions. Players are fed full course breakfast meals that includes omelet’s, croissants filled with ham, cheese and turkey, waffles and pancakes during the week. Players are allowed to stay at their place of residence the night before home games.

"I am more comfortable and relaxed on the field compared to last year," he said."Anytime that you can take time off to enjoy yourself and relax your legs is helpful in the long season. Since the start of the season, I wanted to show the coaches that I didn’t lose a step. We are right where we want to be at this point of the season. Our success this year is great for the fans in St. Louis who have been supporting us this season."

Despite Hakim’s early success returning punts, Az dropped from first to sixth in the NFC in punt returns at the end of the regular season after opposing punters punted away from him. Hakim hopes to get back on track returning punts and help St. Louis get on the scoreboard.

"I will be visualizing the possibility of returning a punt to the endzone," Hakim noted. "I am going to lay it all on the line this week. Special teams have been a major part of our game plan throughout the season. It has been a while since I returned one for a score. I would like to return one in front of our fans."

The Rams and Vikings possess two of the highest offenses in the NFL. The media has focused its attention on the Vikings top two wide receiver tandem of Randy Moss and Cris Carter and the Rams’ array of weapons on offense. As St. Louis prepares for the game on Sunday, Hakim had these words to say about the Vikings’ secondary.

"The Vikings have a good personnel in their secondary," he said. "Their defensive backs run pretty well and are not afraid to get physical. Jimmy Hitchcock, Kenny Wright and Robert Tate are talented corners who have shown that they can play man to man. We are going to try to attack them and come up with some big plays. We have an offense that can exploit any weaknesses that we find. If we do what we are capable of doing, we will have a good game this weekend." ---