Jaylen Smith (linebacker)

For the NFL linebacker, see Jaylon Smith. For the tight end, see Jaylen Smith (tight end).

Jaylen Smith

Smith with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2025
No. 39 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Position	Linebacker
Roster status	Active
CFL status	National
Personal information
Born	(2002-03-01) March 1, 2002 (age 23)
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight	227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school	IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
College	North Texas
CFL draft	2025: 2nd round, 15th overall pick
Career history
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2025–present)
Awards and highlights
Third-team All-AAC (2024)
Stats at CFL.ca

Jaylen Smith (born March 1, 2002) is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at North Texas.

Early life

Jaylen Smith was born on March 1, 2002. ^[1] He left this hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, after graduating from high school. ^{[2] [3]} He then spent a postgraduate year at St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut, but the season was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ^[2] Smith then spent another postgrad season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. ^{[3] [2]}

College career

Smith played college football for the North Texas Mean Green of the University of North Texas from 2021 to 2024, initially joining the team as a walk-on. ^{[3] [4]} He began his college career as a defensive back. ^[5] Smith played in 13 games during the 2021 season, mostly on special teams, posting eight solo tackles and six assisted tackles. ^{[3] [6]} He led the team with 12 special teams tackles. ^[3] He played in all 14 games, mostly on special teams again, in 2022, recording seven solo tackles and eight assisted tackles. ^{[3] [6]} Smith appeared in 12 games, starting four, in 2023, totaling 16 solo tackles, nine assisted tackles, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and one pass breakup. ^{[3] [6]} He started all 13 games at outside linebacker as a senior in 2024, recording 44 solo tackles, 62 assisted tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups. ^{[3] [6]} He led the team in tackles, earning Dave Campbell's Texas Football second-team All-Texas and third-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. ^[3]

Professional career

Smith was selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round, with the 15th overall pick, of the 2025 CFL draft. ^[7] He officially signed with the team on May 5, 2025. ^[7]

References

1. "Jaylen Smith". CFL.ca . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
2. Anderson, Gordon (May 20, 2025). "'I like it when people doubt me': Jaylen Smith took the long way home in his journey back to Canada". The Winnipeg Sun . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
3. "Jaylen Smith". University of North Texas . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
4. Abbott, JC (March 22, 2025). "Canadian LB Jaylen Smith posts strong numbers at North Texas pro day". 3DownNation.com. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
5. Londergan, Jon (April 14, 2025). "North Texas LB Jaylen Smith Projected Among Potential Top CFL Picks". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
6. "Jaylen Smith". Sports Reference . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
7. "Jaylen SMITH". Winnipeg Blue Bombers . Retrieved August 21, 2025.