Dec. 29--School is out at Notre Dame for the semester. But another important grade is in for consensus All-American linebacker Jaylon Smith.
The junior said he received his evaluation from the NFL draft Advisory Board, and the marks are good. Not surprisingly, he graded as a first-round pick.
"It's something that sticks out," Smith said with a grin.
Smith tried not to give away his hand, but it's very unlikely he will return to the Irish next season.
"I want to be great in everything I do," he said. "I definitely wanted it to all be first round. If one came back second round that would push me even more."
He said he will announce his decision a day or so after the Friday's Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State, after he talks with his coaches and his family.
The projected top-10 pick led the Irish with 113 tackles this season.
