Smith catches brothers debut on TV

Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bishop Luers class of 2013 linebacker Jaylon Smith had hoped to be in attendance when his brother, Ohio State running back Rod Smith, saw his first college game action this past Saturday, but the junior prospect was unable to make the trip to Columbus.

"I had planned to [visit], but I didn't because I woke up that morning and was sore," Smith said.

Bishop Luers took down Fort Wayne South by a final of 53-0 on Friday night, with Smith accounting for three touchdowns on offense and compiling three sacks and two tackles for loss on defense. One of his hits resulted in a stinger, which left Smith with soreness the following day.

The soreness caused Smith to miss his older brother's game, but he caught the Buckeye's season opener on television. A redshirt freshman back, Smith tallied 74 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in Ohio State's 42-0 win over Akron.

"He did some good things, being his first real game in about two years," Smith said. "He was excited for it and was happy when he scored."

There are many more weeks remaining in the college football season, and Smith expects to eventually make it to Columbus, as well as several other college campuses this fall.

"I'm trying to get to as many games as possible," Smith said. "I'm going to get up and see another Ohio State game. I plan on going to Notre Dame when they play USC and try to go to some IU and Purdue games."

Smith holds offers from Ohio State, Indiana, Purdue, Mississippi State and Tennessee. Notre Dame is the most recent school to offer Smith, brining the junior prospect's total to six. The tender from the Irish came through last week.

"I didn't expect getting an offer from Notre Dame so soon, but I'm just honored," Smith said. "I'm not stopping - I'm going to get better each and every day."

There are 17 months remaining before Smith will sign a letter of intent with one school, and the junior standout is just taking in the process at this stage. He plans to enjoy college visits this fall, then start looking closer at schools in the off-season.

"I figure I'll do the elimination process around July of next year, then we'll go from there," Smith said. "It's pretty even right now, and I haven't thought about [favorites] yet. I'm just focused on my two goals for my team right now. The first one is to win our area, and the second one is to go back to state."

Smith is on his way to accomplishing his team goals this fall, leading Bishop Luers to a 3-0 record. The 6-3, 214-pound prospect has rushed for close to 500 yards and seven touchdowns on offense and totaled five sacks and 11 tackles for loss on defense this season.