Jaylon Smith To Lead Fighting Irish Defense This Season

This season, the Notre Dame defense returns most of the starters from last season along with the re-instatement of KeiVarae Russell at cornerback. One of the most important members of the defense is linebacker Jaylon Smith. Already named to some pre-season All American teams, Smith returns to start his junior season. He leads a veteran defense with every position group a strength. The 6’2” 235 pounder combines speed and strength and defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorden is expected to try to position him all over the field this season. He is expected to be a leader of the defense and given his work ethic and attention to detail, his leadership will be needed. Let’s take a look at Smith’s career.

Jaylon graduated from Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a consensus 5-star recruit. He made many All American teams as a linebacker and won the 2012 Butkus Award as the nation’s top high school linebacker. Smith led his team to four straight state championships. He not only played linebacker, but was also a running back. In his senior season, Smith rushed for 1,200 yards on 176 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 72 tackles, 19 tackles for loss with eight sacks. Smith garnered much national attention as he was rated third on Rivals 250 list, seventh on the ESPN 300 list, and fifth of 247 Sports list. He as also selected to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl.

Smith committed to Notre Dame and became the star of the 2013 recruiting class. In summer football camp prior to the 2013 season, Danny Spond was a starting outside linebacker. He started for the 2012 Fighting Irish team that went undefeated during the regular season. Unfortunately, Spond had to retire from football because of debilitating migraines. This thrust Smith into the starting lineup sooner than expected. Spond basically became a coach for Smith as he explained the nuances of the position and helped Smith to learn the defensive packages. Jaylon Smith was learning on the run and on his way to becoming an integral part of the defense

During his freshman season, he started 13 games as an outside linebacker. He had a total of 67 tackles along with 65 tackles for loss. Those 67 tackles ranked third on the team. Smith had his best game against Pittsburgh, where he recorded 11 tackles. He capped off the season by recording six tackles in Notre Dame’s victory over Rutgers in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

In the 2014 season, Smith started in all 13 games. Brian Van Gordon changed the Fighting Irish’s defense from a 3-4 to 4-3. In this alignment, Smith played inside linebacker. He had five double digit tackle games. He had ten tackles against Michigan. He made a career high 14 tackles against Stanford. He then had three successive ten tackle games against Northwestern, Louisville, and Southern Cal. Smith concluded the season in grand style by having nine tackles, half a sack and one quarterback hurry in Notre Dame’s 31-28 Music city Bowl victory over LSU.

Smith will be counted on to be the leader of the defense. Coaches stated that Smith already has a great knowledge of the defensive packages. He also needs to inspire his teammates more and become a force in the huddle. If he does, the Fighting Irish defense will lead this team and its fans to many happy Saturdays this fall.