Dallas Cowboys fans will love what linebacker Jaylon Smith said

For those Dallas Cowboys fans sadden by the news of another injury suffered by linebacker Sean Lee, they will love what Jaylon Smith recently said.

When the Dallas Cowboys selected Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith with the 34th overall selection in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the entire football sporting world was shocked. Touted as a possible top-five pick coming into the league’s annual selection event, Smith suffered a devastating left knee injury during the Fiesta Bowl a few months earlier.

Not only did the injury leave Smith with nerve damage, but it threatened his football career and sent him tumbling down draft boards. But the Cowboys gambled on the talented linebacker, making him their second-round selection.

And after what was essentially a redshirt year on the professional level, Smith made his debut wearing The Star last season. Rushed into playing significant minutes due to injuries suffered by starting linebackers Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens, the 22-year old defied expectations but had his issues through what was essentially his rookie campaign.

Still visibly bothered by his injury, and wearing a brace for drop foot, Smith willed himself onto the field in 2017, despite not being 100 percent. He ended last season recording 81 total tackles and a sack.

This offseason, Smith appeared to be an entirely different player. At 6-2, 245 pounds, the third-year linebacker showcased the speed to carry quicker receivers down the field, better vision to dissect plays, quicker reaction time, and the tackling ability that made him a top prospect at Notre Dame.

Through his first three games of 2018, Smith has recorded 22 total tackles and 2.0 sacks. It’s been an impressive start, but according to the player himself, this is only the beginning. Here’s what Smith told Dallas Morning News reporter Jon Machota recently.

"“I’ve learned so much from Sean [Lee] and he’s still the leader of the defense, but the moment he’s gone, not able to play or whenever he decides to retire, it’s going to be my defense. I’m ready for it.”"

Wow. What a proclamation from Smith here. Especially considering the oft-injured Lee is 32-years old and currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

With Sean Lee possibly nearing his end with the Dallas Cowboys, Jaylon Smith is more than ready to pick up his mantle heading into the future. At only 23-years old, Smith is saying this is going to be his defense one day. And that has to have fans excited.