The number one goal for most coaches is to exit spring practice relatively healthy. While injuries are naturally a part of football, teams try their best to prevent unnecessary hits when possible.

One such unnecessary hit prematurely ended Mississippi State’s Maroon and White spring game and drew what was possibly the first targeting call in the history of intrasquad scrimmages.

Late in the scrimmage, senior running back Bennie Braswell fumbled the pitch on an option play. After dropping the pitch, Braswell took a couple of steps and was then slammed by new transfer safety Jonathan Abram. Abram did not appear to slow down before striking Braswell, nor did he look to lower his intended strike zone.

This brutal hit by Jonathan Abram on Bennie Braswell ended Mississippi State's spring game early. pic.twitter.com/Yvlq3sJPIu — William McFadden (@willmcfadden) April 8, 2017

After Abram launched into Braswell, the running back needed medical attention while Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen ejected his new safety for a targeting penalty.

Mississippi State had a running clock at the time of the incident, and the coaching staff decided to end the scrimmage following the injury. This is a situation that Mullen will need to address very quickly or the locker room chemistry could become fragmented.