Jaylon Smith takes home Butkus Award

Jaylon Smith was named the nation’s top linebacker on Tuesday when he won the Butkus Award.

Jaylon Smith enrolled at Notre Dame wanting to be better than Manti Te’o.

Mission accomplished, at least on a quicker timeline.

On Tuesday, the former five-star prospect from Fort Wayne, Ind., won the Butkus Award, which goes to college football’s top collegiate linebacker. He was also named a first-team All-American by USA Today. The junior did all that a year earlier than Te’o, and the pair also shares the distinction as the only players to win the Butkus awards in college and high school.

Smith was a finalist for the Butkus last year and ultimately won out on his next try over finalists Deion Jones…