By Mike Max, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Vikings first round draft pick of Christian Ponder drew a lot of scrutiny from Vikings fans. But he arrived at Winter Park as the new hired gun, and he wasn't exactly surprised to be in Minnesota.

Here are a few questions I had a chance to ask him.

Max: Some people booed when you were selected here at Winter Park. What do you tell those fans about yourself?

Ponder: "Well I'm going to work my butt off to be the number one ... pick for the Minnesota Vikings. I know I have to earn my respect from my teammates…but also the fans and earn their support."

He is mature, perhaps because he followed the footsteps of his father, who played in the NFL, to Florida State. It is that background in the sport that has helped move Ponder forward.

Ponder: "You know, I wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for him. He pushed me hard, and, growing up, he saw that I had potential to be a good football player."

He has also followed the footsteps of another great Minnesota football player, Heisman Trophy quarterback Chris Weinke.

Ponder: "I've gotten to know Chris pretty well in the last couple of years….He's been such a great supporter throughout my years. He was always wishing me well and giving me advice. I enjoyed him being there for me and hopefully I'll see him again."

What he hopes is that through it all he's gained a high football IQ.

Ponder: "I think my intelligence is a huge advantage for me. Especially in the situation I am in right now. I don't know have much time I will have to learn this offense. But I feel like I pick things up rather quickly."

For more of the interview, watch the video above.