Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith wins Butkus Award

Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith has been named the 31st Butkus Award winner as the top linebacker in college football in 2015.

Smith, a junior, captained a very strong Notre Dame defense, and led the Fighting Irish with 113 total tackles (nine for loss), tied for 22nd in the FBS. Smith also recorded a sack, two fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups.

"Jaylon Smith is an exceptional athlete with the instincts, explosion, and striking ability that can tilt the field," the selection committee said in a statement. "He can rush the passer, cover receivers, and consistently makes his presence felt all over the field against the run. He's an impact player who leads by example and is as talented as any college linebacker to win the award the last decade."

Smith is the second player ever to win the award at both the high school and collegiate level, joining Irish alumn Manti T'eo, who won the collegiate version in 2012.

Smith received 89 points in the Butkus Award voting, while Reggie Ragland of Alabama finished as the runner-up with 61 points, and Raekwon McMillan of Ohio State rounding out the top three with 20 points.