UNDER THE DOME
cally than Manti did, but Manti had a
large presence on that defense as well."
In addition to recording a team‑
high 113 tackles (5.5 for loss) for the
12‑1 Irish in 2012, Te'o tallied seven
interceptions and 11 passes defended,
ungodly numbers at linebacker. He
added four QB hurries and recovered
two fumbles.
With Smith, the interceptions and
passes broken up aren't going to ri‑
val Te'o because they play in different
schemes and positions, and his role
also might include rushing the QB off
the edge, which is part of his versatility.
Just because Smith had only one
career interception (as a freshman)
through his first 30 games, though,
doesn't mean he's not in the right fits
on defense.
"We continue to work in pass cov‑
erage and some of the things that we
want Jaylon to recognize, but I think
we're splitting hairs," Kelly said of
where there is still room for improve‑
ment with Smith. "He's generally in
really good position in most pass cov‑
erages.
"We obviously need him to help us
with his pass rush as well … but I think
within our defense, we're pretty happy
as to where he is."
With Te'o, a huge part of his legacy
was returning for his senior year in
which the Irish reached the BCS Na‑
tional Championship Game. Smith
might need to achieve similar team
success for his career to be recognized
in the same light —especially if the
projected first‑round NFL Draft pick
opts to skip his senior year in 2016.
Junior linebacker Jaylon Smith can distinguish
himself by helping lead the Irish to the College
Football Playoff, the way Manti Te'o led the
Irish to the BCS National Championship Game
in 2012.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
