IRISH IN THE PROS
BY ANDREW OWENS
F
ormer Notre Dame defensive backs
Harrison Smith and Robert Blanton
started 25 games alongside each other
in four years at Notre Dame, most re-
cently during the entire 2011 season
when Smith served as the team's cap-
tain.
Both were drafted in April 2012 by
the Minnesota Vikings, which former
Irish players jokingly refer to as "Notre
Dame North" because of the organiza-
tion's tendency to pluck players from
South Bend.
Smith, a first-round pick, has devel-
oped a reputation as one of the NFL's
hardest-hitting safeties. For Blanton,
however, starting is a whole new ball-
game.
While Blanton now plays safety, his
roots are at cornerback. During his
four-year career at Notre Dame, he de-
veloped into a reliable cover corner.
"He's always just had a nose for the
ball," Smith told reporters. "He just
makes plays wherever you put him:
corner, safety, he's made a ton of plays
on special teams since he's been here.
… The safety who has a lot of experi-
A Dangerous Duo
In August, Robert Blanton (right) earned a starting safety spot, and he will line up next to former Irish
teammate Harrison Smith (left) in the Minnesota Vikings' secondary.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS
