'13 IN ATH Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame Man & Graduate)

[DoverShores]

Outside Linebacker/Running Back
Fort Wayne, IN - Bishop Luers HS

Ht: 6'3"
Wt: 218
40: 4.44
GPA: 2.9

Rankings:
24/7: Overall #5, #1 OLB
Rivals: Overall #3, #1 OLB
ESPN: Overall #9, #2 OLB
Scout: Overall #6, #1 OLB
Composite: Overall #4, #1 OLB

Offers:
Alabama
Auburn
Florida
Florida State
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnesota
Mississippi
Mississippi State
Nebraska
Notre Dame
Ohio State
Oklahoma
Purdue
Tennessee
Texas A&M
USC

Recruiter: Mike Elston

Video:

Senior Year

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BWnZCYGLHMk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

247 rates hims an early 5 star for the 2013 class. Considered an Ohio State lean because his brother goes there. We need to keep him in state.

Vitals: Outside linebacker, Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Luers, 6-3/215

Why he’s a five-star: On the hoof, Smith has the kind of frame you want a young outside linebacker to have, he has length and plenty of room for added weight. Smith is also a terrific athlete that sheds blocks with ease, plays with great leverage and is a great striker. Though he likely projects at outside linebacker or possibly even defensive end, Smith also plays running back in high school. In his first game of 2011, Smith rushed for 222 yards three touchdowns.

Recruitment: Smith currently holds offers from the likes of Indiana, Tennessee, Purdue, Mississippi State and Ohio State. Although Smith won’t publicly admit it, it’s hard to believe that Ohio State doesn’t have the edge in his recruitment. Smith’s brother, Rod is a redshirt freshman running back for the Buckeyes.

 

[Ironman8]

Great article on Jaylon. Wants to visit ND in the fall, and spoke highly of the Irish (speaks very highly about OSU as well, where his brother attends). Looks like another early ND v. OSU battle for a top '13 prospect.

No question Smith is a five star

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

How is O$U in such good shape with these 2013 recruits? Marshall, Woodard, Smith... Is Fickell telling them the punishment is not going to minimal or is it just a function of hitting the trail early?

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

How is O$U in good with so many 2013 recruits? Marshall, Woodward, Smith... Is Fickell telling them the punishment is not going to minimal?

Almost certainly. The NCAA didn't level a lack of institutional control charge so I think they're hoping for a slap on the wrist and making that part of the sales pitch.

If the Buckeyes don't play like a top 20 team then I imagine there will be season long speculation on Fickell's replacement which will probably set them back with some 2013 guys who like the coaching staff.

 

[OCIrish]

^This hinges greatly on Jaylens recruitment.....if Tressel were still there, it'd be a slamdunk commitment for tO$U. My buddy at work knows him and said he's a very good kid. He gets the impression that he doesn't end up a Buckeye, but that's just his opinion. He did say Jaylen does have legitimate interest in the Irish. Hope his opinion is correct.

 

[Ironman8]

ND offered, per 24/7.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Why did I even bother checking to see if someone posted it, I should have known.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Could possibly be on campus for an unofficial this weekend.

 

[GBdomer]

Just another 5 star coming for the USC game.

Per Blue and gold.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Kids sophomore film is beastly. We need to continue to dominate the Fort Wayne area.

 

[beryirish]

I just feel that if there is an ELITE prospect in Indiana that ND should be locking it up...IMO

Yes, they are national recruiting which is awesome but keep the elites close to home..home.

 

[Riddickulous]

I just feel that if there is an ELITE prospect in Indiana that ND should be locking it up...IMO

Yes, they are national recruiting which is awesome but keep the elites close to home..home.

Agree entirely.

And Jesus Christ, this kid is unbelievably explosive off the edge.

 

[GBdomer]

His brother goes to OSU. going to be tough to beat them.

 

[irish4ever]

His brother goes to OSU. going to be tough to beat them.

If momma's undisoclosed pick is the Irish, may not be as tough as one thinks. Those moms can be pretty persuasive you know!

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

If momma's undisoclosed pick is the Irish, may not be as tough as one thinks. Those moms can be pretty persuasive you know!

For those that didn't read the article, this is what irish4ever is referring to:

“I want him to stay in Indiana,” Sophia said. “I have a pick. I can’t say but I do have a pick. But Jaylon knows that it’s his decision. I’m going to try my best to persuade him to do what I want, but it’s his life and his future. He’s always listened to mom before, and hopefully he does with this, but if not I can’t be mad at him. I want him to go where he wants.”

 

[GBdomer]

For those that didn't read the article, this is what irish4ever is referring to:

all moms say that. But i doubt hes going to IU. ND OSU battle.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

all moms say that. But i doubt hes going to IU. ND OSU battle.

Lol she didn't say Indiana is her pick, she just wants him to stay in state. I think we know who her real choice is.

 

[Riddickulous]

We're good with moms.

 

[MacIrish75]

I watch him play nearly every Friday night and he is the real deal. OSU could be tough competitor here, as Luers has recently sent some good athletes to OSU (most notable Mr. Basketball DeShaun Thomas a couple years ago). But, I think with his mother's pull and getting in with the current commits, he is ours to lose.

Fort Wayne has a huge Catholic community and while Luers (for whatever reason) isn't the pipeline to ND that Dwenger sometimes can be, there are still a ton of Irish fans in his ear all the time.

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

We're good with moms.

Chuckled.

 

[FWIRISH]

Watched him play several times, and this kid is something else! He is very driven beyond just sports, and I think this bodes well for us. He is a fantastic LB, but man oh man if you are wanting a power back, this kid brings the heat. Very strong runner with effortless accelleration. I think if we really want him and put in the work, he is ours.

 

[aubeirish]

Chuckled.

 

[arrowryan]

I think we put him at running back, I'm thinking we get Mahone and B. Marshall this year so that would be a nasty 3 headed monster

 

[t3hjc]

There are going to be other running back prospects next year too. I think his skillset defensively is rare and fits our scheme perfectly.

 

[Rack Em]

Lol she didn't say Indiana is her pick, she just wants him to stay in state. I think we know who her real choice is.

****ing Ball State, stealing all our recruits.

 

[Riddickulous]

I think we put him at running back, I'm thinking we get Mahone and B. Marshall this year so that would be a nasty 3 headed monster

Have you watched his tape? His explosiveness off the edge is unreal. Gotta be an OLB.

 

[arrowryan]

Have you watched his tape? His explosiveness off the edge is unreal. Gotta be an OLB.

I agree, but as of right now we need more running backs. We are stacked at OLB. I guess if we get 2 running backs this year we could put him at OLB

 

[MoreTeo]

Smith is a beast at OLB. We are getting better at LB depth but stacked would be a reach. Bama and LSU are stacked at LB. This kids block shedding and explosiveness are a perfect fit for the CAT backer. Are we going to recruit any ILB. Teo has one more year if he doesn't go pro. I think our ILB depth is weak and needs an upgrade athletically to go with the OLB depth.

 

[Sweetness34]

For those that didn't read the article, this is what irish4ever is referring to:

If he comes that would be great and maybe we could get his brother to transfer from OSU. He would be a good fit at TB here. Just a thought! I know it's a pipe dream with his brother already red-shirting but Jaylon would be nice, very nice!