Harrison Smith heaps praise on Ivan Pace Jr.
After Minnesota Vikings training camp practice on Saturday, safety Harrison Smith recently joined Tom Pelissero and Bucky Brooks on NFL Total Access to discuss the Minnesota Vikings training camp. After some nudging from Pelissero and Brooks, Smith gave props to rookie UDFA linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
“Ivan Pace, I believe will show up on the Seattle tape next week.”
Smith discussed going into his 12th year in the NFL, his thoughts on Aaron Rodgers, his thoughts on the new defense and more. Most of his answers were of the cookie-cutter/rehearsed variety. It didn’t seem like Brooks and Pelissero would get much more from Smith but pleasantries and player-speak.
However, when they asked him to give them one under-the-radar player from training camp, it initially didn’t seem like Smith would give in. He even went so far as to instruct the reporters to “go ask coach [O’Connell]” for some name drops. But he eventually gave a name to look out for in the coming weeks.
Pace, Jr. has been a pleasant surprise at camp thus far. This endorsement from Smith is but another feather in that cap.
The Minnesota Vikings kick off their preseason against the Seattle Seahawks on August 10th at 9:00 PM CST.
