Cowboys' Jaylon Smith: 'Absolutely' a chance I'll play in 2016

The newest member of the Dallas Cowboys isn't ready to concede he'll need a redshirt season in 2016.

The Cowboys selected Smith with the 34th overall pick despite widespread reports a knee injury will force the linebacking prospect to miss the entire 2016 season. Smith himself, though, says he may play as a rookie.

"Absolutely. Never doubt God," Smith said on a conference call when asked if there's a chance he will play in 2016, according to the Dallas News.

Smith was very emotional upon learning he had been selected early in the second round, perhaps because of the widespread rumors he could fall to the mid- to late-rounds as a result of his health.

"It's been the most challenging time of my life, but at the same time it's been the best time of my life where my dream has just come true," Smith said.

The Cowboys' team doctor performed Smith's knee surgery, which surely helped the team feel better about his long-term health.

Smith elaborated on his recovery, saying he's improving but has no concrete timetable for a return to the field.

"I get different sensations everyday with the nerve, but it's just a timing thing. I'm only three-and-a-half months out, so time will definitely tell, but the knee is fine. That was cleared at the medical recheck that the knee won't have any issues. But it's just a timing thing for the nerve. It's too early in the process to tell."