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Notre Dame Football: The Best Irish Players To Wear No. 9

By Connor McJunkin

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates by wearing the hat of team mascot, Lucky The Leprechaun, following their 42-30 win against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 7, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 07: Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates by wearing the hat of team mascot, Lucky The Leprechaun, following their 42-30 win against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on November 7, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – AUGUST 30: Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish moves to tackle Darik Dillard #32 of the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Rice 48-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Jaylon Smith, LB, 2013 – 2015

Okay, we all knew this was the name that would be on the list. There’s absolutely no argument you can make that Jaylon Smith isn’t one of the most athletic freaks to ever play for Notre Dame.

Smith was a rare talent — especially for linebacker. His speed allowed him to match up with running backs and slot receivers, run around lineman trying to cut him off on the backside of plays, shoot through gaps untouched, and cover the field sideline-to-sideline. He was also powerful and could use his strength to run through lineman or running backs and disrupt plays — even though you can’t see that on the stat sheet.

Smith finished his career with 284 total tackles and 168 solo, 23.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. One of the most unfortunate and heart-breaking injuries I’ve ever watched live was Smith suffering a knee injury during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl vs Ohio State. Smith was a lock as a Top-10 NFL Draft pick, but fell to the Cowboys in the second round. After sitting out and rehabbing his rookie year, he finally got back on the field in 2017, recording 81 total tackles and 2 forced fumbles.

All reports indicate that he is back to his old self — playing without a brace and flying around the field causing problems for Dallas’ offense all of training camp. There’s no doubt in my mind this will be his breakout season and he will be in the conversation as one of the best linebackers in the league by the end of the season.

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