Notre Dame Football: Which all-time Irish greats would fit best in 2019?

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 06: Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a tackle for a loss against the Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Stadium on September 6, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan 31-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Jaylon Smith has been in the news a lot in recent memory. Smith played three years for the Irish before suffering a gruesome injury and leaving for the NFL one year early in 2014. Smith recently finished his degree in television and film at Notre Dame.

But how badly would you like to see Jaylon, in all his college glory, re-join this Notre Dame defense?

First of all, Smith was a darn good player and an athletic phenomenon who was largely misused by Brian VanGorder, which is unfortunate. Smith’s college stats were still pretty darn good: Smith had 284 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in his three seasons in college.

But Smith would be the perfect fit for this Notre Dame team not only because of better coaching, but also because the Irish are a perhaps a little desperate at linebacker. Drue Tranquill and Te’Von Coney are gone to the NFL and the Irish linebacking is sorely in question.

Smith’s athleticism and versatility would be a perfect fit for this particular Notre Dame defense. Smith can stop the run and he is also athletic enough to run with certain receivers in coverage, which is exactly what a linebacker needs to be in 2019.

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