Jaylon Smith's impact in Notre Dame's defense could expand in 2015

Published Apr. 30, 2015 3:19 p.m. ET

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It's hard to imagine a bigger impact from Jaylon Smith, who recorded up over 100 tackles and was named a finalist for the 2014 Butkus Award last year. However, according to J.J. Stankevitz of CSN Chicago, the Notre Dame linebacker may be capable of so much more.

Smith, who played only weak-side inside linebacker in 2014, cross-trained at strong-side outside linebacker in the spring, per Stankevitz's report, thus expanding his defensive repertoire. The added flexibility should arm defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder with a valuable tool to attack opposing defenses.

"Part of it is getting the best linebackers on the field at the same time and really just being flexible," Smith told CSN Chicago. "Offenses game planning for me, they won’t really have a feel of what exactly position I’m in. I won’t be consistently at this spot or consistently at the other spot. So really, that’s an advantage. Then it also helps me, picking my brain and building my football IQ. Learning multiple positions, I know all of the linebacker positions now."

Notre Dame has depth at linebacker heading into the 2015 season, so developing versatility is key to making the most of the current personnel surplus. It will also help the unit recover in case it has to weather an injury or two.

(h/t CSN Chicago)

Photo Credit: Matt Cashore/USA TODAY Sports