Harrison Smith is doing whatever he can to make a name for himself during his first preseason of professional football and, so far, it seems to be working as the rookie has been penciled in as one of the Minnesota Vikings' starting safeties.
Smith was noticed for something not quite so positive during the Vikings preseason game on Friday night, however, as he laid a huge hit on San Diego Chargers wide receiver Mike Willie. It was enough to get his Vikings' teammates excited, as the GIF below shows, but it also might end in Smith picking up the first fine of his career.
(via the always incredible @cjzero)
Smith said that the hit -- which resulted in a 15-yard penalty to give the Chargers life on what would end up being the game-winning drive -- was a result of him being unsure if he should tackle Willie or go for the interception, according to his comments in the Pioneer Press.
"Maybe I could have played it differently," Smith said. "I'll watch the film."
"My shoulder hurts pretty bad because I hit him mostly with my shoulder," said Smith, a first-round pick in April's draft out of Notre Dame. "It's hard to hit somebody if you pull your head away. But the rules are the rules."
For all news and information regarding the Minnesota Vikings, please visit the Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota. For more coverage of the San Diego Chargers, visit Bolts From The Blue. For complete coverage of all things football, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.