Smith sees positives in Purdue loss

Purdue coaches worked hard to get the top class of 2013 prospects from their home state in for Saturday night's contest with Notre Dame. Several of Indiana's best were in attendance, including Fort Wayne Bishop Luers linebacker Jaylon Smith.

"It was a tremendous opportunity to be in an atmosphere like that," Smith said after the game. "They have great fan support."

Purdue has already extended an offer to Smith. He received a warm welcome from Boilermakers coaches when he arrived in West Lafayette on Saturday.

"Before the game started I met with the head coach and their linebackers coach," Smith said. "They were just letting me know to watch their linebackers and defensive ends, see what type of schemes they were running and where I would fit in."

Both Purdue and Notre Dame have already offered Smith, so Saturday night's contest was a chance for him to have a look at both programs.

"I was observing both teams just to see who was more intense and really compare and contrast," Smith said. "[Purdue] is really trying to rebuild. They have been successful in the past, and they are really trying to get back to those ways. I am impressed with that and Notre Dame did a heck of a job. Notre Dame came out with a great game plan and they executed very well."

Saturday's visit to Purdue was the second college football game Smith has attended this season. He was at the Ohio State-Toledo game in Columbus last month, and plans to get other trips in before the fall is out.

"I'll be at the IU-Ohio State game for sure," Smith said. "I am trying to get down to a Tennessee game or maybe a Nebraska or Wisconsin game."