Notre Dame junior linebacker Jaylen Sneed arrived in South Bend with lofty expectations. A blue-chip prospect out of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and a four-star recruit, Sneed is poised to show that he can translate his potential into tangible results on the field this season.
As a sophomore last year, Sneed appeared in all 13 games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams. Used sparingly, Sneed recorded a modest 14 tackles, five solo. He added a sack and a tackle for loss. He finished the season with a pair of pass breakups, five quarterback hurries, and he also forced a fumble.
Jaylen Sneed Seeking the Spotlight Alongside Jack Kiser
Notre Dame’s linebackers are young, except for senior Jack Kiser. The Irish lost linebackers JD Bertrand (Atlanta Falcons) and Marist Liafau (Dallas Cowboys) to the NFL, and Sneed is the second-most experienced Irish player at the position this year behind Kiser. Sneed has played in 17 career games. That is second only to Kiser, who has played in 52 games. A consistent contributor at linebacker and on special teams, Kiser played in all 13 games a season ago. He finished third on the team with 62 tackles. He tied for the team lead with 41 solo tackles. Kiser added 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and snagged an interception.
Beyond Kiser, linebackers coach Max Bullough has a promising group. The room includes five-star freshman Kyngstonn Villamu-Asa, who has flashed in camp. Sophomores Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry both gained experience last season and will play larger roles in the defense this season.
“We don’t have these seasoned guys that have played a bunch of snaps,” Bullough shared with Rivals.com. “We’re going to roll them like we have because we’ve got five guys we trust. And I can’t wait to do it.”
Camp Mentality
To be competitive, the Irish will need Sneed to elevate his game this season. With Kiser anchoring the linebackers, Sneed’s ability to step up and contribute significantly will be crucial to the success of Notre Dame’s defense. He has all the tools to become an impact player for the Irish.
In speaking with the press after Fall camp practice earlier this week, Sneed addressed his mentality in camp.
“Just (working on) getting better,” Sneed said from the podium during his press conference. “Working on playing with the team and working on playing with the other linebackers. I’m honestly just excited to see what we can do. We’re a young linebacking corps, but I think we’re really, really good.”
“I feel my game is most improved with my hands,” Sneed added. “Being able to use my hands to disengage with blockers, and engage, and getting off blocks.”
As for the impact that coach Bullough has had in camp, Sneed said, “He is very intense, he is a funny guy, and a great coach, overall. He’s been able to connect with me, and I’ve been able to connect with him on a different level. I feel like all the guys in the room have connected with him. We’re all getting better and growing closer together because of him.”
Sneed Ready to Shine
As a talented and promising defender, Sneed has the potential to be a key part of a formidable linebacker duo with Kiser.
“I can’t talk enough about how far Jaylen Sneed has come from year one, from when I got here, to right now,” Bullough said of Sneed on Rivals.com. “He’s playing with knee bend, he’s getting lined up, he’s executing. He’s communicating.
“If there was one person that I’d say I can’t be prouder of from when I got here to right now, it’s No. 3,” Bullough continued. “It’s No. 3, and he’s going to have a big year.”
No better endorsement for Sneed than that. If Bullough is correct, the Irish faithful just might see Sneed rise to become the elite player that Notre Dame thought he was when he was South Carolina’s Mr. Football coming out of high school.
Kiser also sees a difference in Sneed.
“You can just see the maturity coming with him,” Kiser said of Sneed on Rivals.com. “And that’s always been the issue. He’s always had all the talent, but (he’s adding) the maturity with it and the confidence. Competition creates a great culture.”
