Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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great group of guys that treated me so well and accepted me to the family. "It's only an hour and 40 minutes away from home. Just being so familiar with the school, and me going to a Catholic school, that's an advantage. If I would've went to a public school, I probably wouldn't have gone to Notre Dame. I wouldn't have known anything about the Catholic angle and that played a big role in it." Smith has been a three-year starter for the Knights, who have won the state title three straight seasons, and he's set to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio Jan. 5. The fact that he'll have the same opportunity to compete early at Notre Dame got his attention. 247Sports national analyst Barton Sim- mons wouldn't be surprised to see Smith on the field as a freshman. "To me, there may not be more of a sure thing in the class of 2013 than Jaylon Smith," of the many traits that stand out about him as a defen- sive player … Capable of quickly gaining the edge and remaining skinny around it to stay on a direct path to the quarterback … Difficult for the ball carrier to out- run due to his speed … Sound in pass coverage … One of the biggest traits that separates him from the rest is his desire to compete. his game he'll look to improve the most is how physi- cal he plays, which will increase with added strength in a college weight program. Areas To Improve Not many areas to criticize on film, but the part of — Jason Sapp Strengths His first step, burst and reaction time are just a few FILM ANALYSIS Simmons said. "What's really special to me about Jaylon is that he is so long and rangy. He can play big in pass coverage as a disruptive guy that affects all kinds of throwing lanes. But he can also play low and coiled in run support. "TO ME, THERE MAY NOT BE MORE OF A SURE THING IN THE CLASS OF 2013 THAN JAYLON SMITH." backer that can impact a seven-on-seven setting the way Smith can, and I don't even think that is going to be his best asset. I think his ability to pass rush on film may be what he hangs his hat on in college. As far as raw athleticism, mentality and character off the field, Smith is as complete of a foot- ball player as you'll find." Smith's mentor, Michael Ledo of AWP 247SPORTS NATIONAL ANALYST BARTON SIMMONS "I don't know that I've ever seen a line- Sports Performance, echoed many of those same thoughts, particularly as it pertains to the future Irish player's character. "When he travels with AWP, his leader- ship goes without saying," Ledo said. "He'll be that Manti Te'o-type of guy for Notre Dame. He understands that a leader's suc- cess is determined by those around him, and you can already see it by what he's been able to do helping recruit for Notre Dame. "He can cover in pass, runs well in space [4.44 speed in the 40-yard dash], he's very flexible and he has range which allows him to do a lot of things, but his special trait is his pass rush. It will be a difficult challenge for any blocker to stop him because he's low off the ball and he stays there. He's a well- rounded player, but he'll find early success with his pass rush." ✦ AUGUST 2012 77