Linebacker Jaylon Smith will leave Notre Dame a year early to enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
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“I just want to start out by thanking God for every opportunity that I’ve got thus far in my life, and really just my support system”, Smith said.
It was devastating news for Smith and the entire Irish community, but after his reconstructive surgery last week it was reported that there was no nerve damage in his knee, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
“Somebody’s gonna draft him, sign him, he’s gonna be on nonfootball injury”.
The former Bishop Luers High School standout announced his decision in a 55 second YouTube video Monday. “With my decision and moving forward, I’m deciding to head to the NFL Draft”.
No one can truly answer that question right now because Smith’s draft grade will ultimately depend on what the doctors say about his rehab in March and April.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) signals in the first quarter against the Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Stadium.
Smith has an insurance policy against his draft stock worth up to $5 million if he falls out of the first round, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
The Fort Wayne, Ind., native won the Butkus Award this season, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.
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Smith led Notre Dame with 114 tackles to go with 9.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries last season. Prosise, cornerback KeiVarae Russell and left tackle Ronnie Stanley as Notre Dame underclassmen that have declared for the NFL.
