Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith’s knee buckled in the first quarter of Friday’s Fiesta Bowl game against Ohio State when he was shoved on a late hit, and he exited the game. Reports are now coming out indicating his knee injury is “significant,” which certainly will impact his decision to either return to school for another year or declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.
Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly called LB Jaylon Smith's knee injury "significant". Awful.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 2, 2016
The linebacker is one of the most talented players in the nation and was pegged unanimously by draft experts as a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft.
If it’s something like a torn ACL, then it’s likely Smith would be inclined to head back to school. Entering the draft with a significant injury usually drops players out of the top and into the middle rounds, meaning a significant loss of money.
Smith racked up 114 tackles this year, nine for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble.