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Take one look at Jaylon Smith and its easy to see why he's regarded as one of the top high school football players in the country.
Fast and strong, the five star linebacker from Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers high school is the latest player to commit to Notre Dame.
As coach Brian Kelly likes to say, Smith is looking at it as a 40 year decision, not a 4 year decision.
"You really can't go wrong at Notre Dame," Smith says.
"It's a win-win situation as far as, if football doesn't work out, the degree speaks for itself."
It's a pitch that Smith is now making to other potential teammates. Smith has publicly reached out to other marquis players on Twitter, imploring them to join him at Notre Dame. Another thing that drew Smith to Notre Dame was the chance to play for head coach Brian Kelly.
"I really just like the closeness he has with his players. I really respect him."
While comfort with the coach and players certainly played a role in Smith's decision., so does geography. He'll be close to home, and has a chance to follow in the footsteps of another great Ft. Wayne product: Current Irish all-american tight end Tyler Eifert.
"It's only about an hour and forty minutes away (from home). It'll be great for my family and friends. Tyler Eifert and John Goodman are from Fort Wayne, so I'll be continung the tradition. I can tell that they're a family down there, so I'm really looking forward to it."