Independent Football Teams: Top Seven Players in 2015

Sep 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 30-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylon Smith leads a talented defense that could propel the Fighting Irish to reach the Playoff. Smith (6-3, 235) was rated the best linebacker and second best prospect overall in 2013 by 247 Sports. He is now a junior and has turned out to be a very good player and should have a solid impact on the field this year.

Jaylon hasn’t forced many turnovers with Notre Dame, but that should change this year. He’s still consistently shown great tackling skills and has the speed and awareness to be in position to make plays. He totaled an impressive 112 tackles last year.

Smith is receiving a number of award recognitions, including Preseason All-American, and Bruce Feldman lists him as a surprise Heisman candidate. Feldman further stated that Smith is better than Manti Te’o, who was a Heisman finalist for Notre Dame in 2012. Smith is tied at 25 in ESPN’s Top 100 Players Countdown and is highly favored to be picked early in the first round of the NFL Draft next year.

Next: Taysom Hill