2013 linebacker Smith holds four offers

Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Luers linebacker Jaylon Smith walked into the Columbus NIKE Camp in May without a scholarship offer, but after his performance there and at subsequent camps the 6-3, 202-pound class of 2013 prospect has now received four BCS offers.

Smith's four offers are from Indiana, Mississippi State, Ohio State and Purdue. He earned his Purdue offer at the Boilermaker's camp and was helped, in part, by appearances at the NIKE Camp and Sound Mind, Sound Body Camp in June with his other offers.

Smith's most recent camp appearance took place in South Bend, Ind., where he worked out for Notre Dame coaches at the Irish's camp.

"We were at Notre Dame a few weeks ago," Smith said. "I could see myself picking up an offer from them. I have a good relationship with their coaches and I like the facilities down there."

Although Smith now has four options for college, he also recognizes that he still has two years of high school remaining and is not close to selecting his college destination. His brother, Rod Smith, is a running back at Ohio State, but even an offer from the Buckeyes has not caused the rising junior to declare a favorite.

"To be honest, everybody has an equal chance right now," Smith said. "I'm just keeping my options open and there are no favorites at this moment. I just want to get as many offers as I can and go where's best for me."

Important to Smith in evaluating the schools recruiting him are his chances of playing early and the academic reputation of a school.

As a sophomore, Smith played primarily at defensive end for Bishop Luers, finishing the season with 11.5 sacks and two interceptions. In college he could end up at either the outside linebacker or defensive end positions.

"Mostly [colleges] are talking outside linebacker or stand-up d-end," Smith said. "Honestly, I prefer defensive end because I am great with my hands, but I am also versatile. It doesn't matter to me as long as I am playing college football."