BY ANDREW OWENS
E
ven with four fourth-
and fifth-year senior
players slotted for 2015
captaincy, a number as
large as any total in Irish
history except for two,
head coach Brian Kelly
did something he had yet
to do in his six-year Irish
tenure — he named a fifth
captain for this season.
With so many seniors
worthy of the honor —
Kelly said he could make
a case for as many as 10
players on the Irish roster
— the head coach wanted
to acknowledge junior
linebacker Jaylon Smith's
leadership on a team of
returning starters. But
Smith's leadership is only
part of the story.
The name of the No. 3
overall player in the
2013 class, according
to Rivals, is plastered
across the Internet on
all kinds of mock drafts
ranging anywhere from
an early- to mid-first-
round selection.
Whether Smith de-
clares for the NFL Draft
following his junior sea-
son or returns in 2016,
Notre Dame fans should
UNDER THE DOME
A UNIQUE TALENT
Head coach Brian Kelly said he has never coached
a player quite like junior linebacker Jaylon Smith
Smith recorded seven tackles and one sack in Notre Dame's 38‑3 victory over Texas in the season opener
Sept. 5.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
