Lewis Cine gives excitement level on playing with Harrison Smith, Vikings defense

Vikings 2022 first round pick Lewis Cine, out of Georgia, leaves behind perhaps the most talented defense in college football history. But he’ll join an esteemed safety room in Minnesota as a rookie.

The former Bulldog safety is a winner at every level so far in his career. Under the coaching of Deion Sanders, he won a high school state championship. Of course, at Georgia, he became a national champion this past season. The NFL presents a brand new challenge and an even tougher road to glory. However, Cine is used to adapting.

Winning, according to Cine, “takes sacrifice. It takes being unselfish.” He knows he won’t come in and dominate immediately at the pro level like he and his team did in Athens last fall. That’s why he’s welcomed each stage of his football career with “a humble step.” He’s willing to be patient and learn how to adapt to the advancements that come with going from middle school to high school to college and now to the NFL.

He’ll be learning from one of the best safeties in the NFL as a rookie. Harrison Smith is a 10-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler at the safety position. Cine projects to start as his running mate this fall. The rookie says he’s excited about “the fact that I’m going to be learning from [Harrison].” Cine is ready to start “taking information from him. Learning experiences, tips and pointers. It’s got me excited.”

He also referred to Smith as a “film junkie” who’s also a “very laid back guy.” Looks like the young pup is ready for the old dog to teach him some new tricks in their first season as Minnesota’s safety tandem.

Cine gives candid take on relationship with Deion Sanders

Lewis Cine received tutelage from another legendary NFL defensive back during his high school days. Before attending the University of Georgia, Cine played high school ball for Trinity Christian in Cedar Hill, Texas. One of the coordinators for that team while Cine was there? Deion Sanders.

When asked about Sanders’ coaching after being drafted, Cine gave heartfelt remarks. “He’s a real humble guy. Real loving. Real spiritual. He has his mind straight.”

Cine expressed that he sees a different side of Sanders — the one focused on bettering his young players. He says Sanders is “a long way from how people see him” as a coach. The former pro star is open and approachable to his guys. Players like Cine have “gotten the chance to know him as a person in a deeper level.” Which Cine says has taught him “a whole lot in terms of life, finances and relationships.”

Far beyond any tips Sanders can give on how to play defensive back, Cine has learned by example from Deion Sanders the person. He “always had a lecture,” Cine remembers. “I’m grateful for him. I’m blessed to say that he’s in my corner.”