Jaylon Smith was named the 2015 recipient of the Butkus Award, given annually to the best high school, college and pro linebacker, on Tuesday, becoming the first Notre Dame player to win the honor since Manti Te'o did in 2012.
The Fort Wayne, Ind. native also won the high school Butkus Award in 2012, and joins Te'o as the only players to win both the prep and college awards. The Butkus Award has been given to a college player annually since 1985; the pro and high school honors were first awarded in 2008.
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Smith, a junior Irish captain, beat out Georgia's Leonard Floyd, LSU's Deion Jones, Ohio State's Raekwon McMillan and Alabama's Reggie Ragland to receive the award.
“Jaylon Smith is an exceptional athlete with the instincts, explosion and striking ability that can tilt the field. He can rush the passer, cover receivers and consistently makes his presence felt all over the field against the run," the members of the Butkus Award selection committee said in a joint statement. "He's an impact player who leads by example and is as talented as any college linebacker to win the award the last decade."
“Reggie Ragland is a very physical, well-rounded football player who also generated many first-place votes for his tenacity and playing strength. He's a hammering hitter. It became a two-man race between Smith and Ragland after Myles Jack suffered a knee injury early in the season.”
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Smith finished the regular season with a team-high 113 tackles and added nine tackles for a loss, one sack, six quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and five pass break-ups.
CBS Sports' Dane Brugler projects Smith, if he decides to turn pro, to be the 12th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.