Outside linebacker prospect Jaylon Smith has followed through on his verbal commitment, signing his letter of intent to join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2013. Smith gave his commitment to the Irish in June and has not wavered in that decision despite offers from all of the country’s major programs. A product of Fort Wayne’s Bishop Luers High School, he will be playing college football just 90 miles from his hometown.
Jaylon Smith signs with Notre Dame
Indiana’s Mr. Football has signed with Notre Dame, as five-star linebacker Jaylon Smith has signed his letter of intent. Smith was one of the top recruits - if not the top recruit - in the Midwest.
Smith is the nation’s top-ranked outside linebacker prospect by Rivals, Scout, and 24/7; ESPN ranks him second, behind only Matthew Thomas. He received five-star ratings from all four services. Rivals and Scout rate Smith as the nation’s #3 prospect, while 24/7 ranks him fifth and ESPN seventh. Notre Dame has locked down the Smith commitment, though. Smith made his verbal commitment in June, never took a visit to another campus, and never showed significant interest in another offer.
Smith was named Indiana’s Mr. Football after leading Bishop Luers to the Indiana state championship. Despite measuring 6’3 and 212 pounds, he played halfback and linebacker for his high school program. He may need to add size and strength before contributing, but his agility and speed are as good as any defensive prospect in the country. At the U.S. Army All-America Game, he played at defensive end in a 4-3 formation, but his size and skill set makes him an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker.
Ratings: Smith is a universal five-star recruit.
Vitals: Smith comes in at 6’3 and 212 pounds.
Other offers: He was the most coveted recruit in the Midwest, eventually reducing his pool of offers to Ohio State and Notre Dame. He received offers from most of the SEC, including Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Tennessee, as well as virtually all of the Big Ten. USC and Oklahoma also extended scholarship offers.
Twitter: Jaylon is on Twitter at @JaeeSmiff9ENT.
Recruitment timeline: The full story of Jaylon Smith’s recruitment is available on the SB Nation storystream.
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