Friends in High Places: Harrison Smith, safety, Minnesota Vikings

Harrison Smith, safety, Minnesota Vikings

The Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006, Harrison Smith has enjoyed a decorated football career.

Smith started 47 of his 51 games at Notre Dame. He was the team’s sole captain in 2011, an honor shared with only three other players over the last 40 years. Selected No. 29 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft, he led all safeties in his rookie season with two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Smith is a six-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro selection and has 34 interceptions since entering the NFL in 2012.

“I love the challenge of (golf). Being a football player, it’s a different mindset — trying to work on different shots, make good decisions, don’t get too crazy. It’s a good way to test yourself.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you get up to a green and there are about 50 ball marks that are not repaired. I’m always trying to fix as many ball marks as I can. Somebody hits a good drive, and you’re sitting in the middle of the fairway, sitting in a divot? I understand as the game grows and more people play, it gets harder and harder to keep everything pristine. But — respect the course, respect the player.

I play back home at Cherokee CC (Knoxville, Tenn.) It’s always pristine. That work doesn’t go unnoticed by me.”

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