Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith left the team's Fiesta Bowl matchup in the first quarter with a knee injury. It was unclear just how bad that injury was, with head coach Brian Kelly originally saying only that the knee injury was "significant."
However, we know just how bad the injury is. Chris Mortensen is now reporting Smith suffered a torn MCL and ACL.
Smith will undergo reconstructive knee surgery on Thursday. Smith is just a junior and was expected to be a Top 10 Draft pick if he entered the draft.
The injury could severely impact Smith's draft status, if he turns pro this year. With the injury occurring this close to the draft, there's a chance Smith could fall out of the first round.
Smith had a monster year for Notre Dame, racking up 114 tackles, nine of which were for a loss. He also added two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
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