Notre Dame junior Harrison Smith returned primarily to linebacker in the Irish's 20-16 win over Boston College last weekend.

Smith played linebacker last season before starting the first six games at free safety this year.

He is listed as a starting outside linebacker again for Saturday's game against Washington, and the 6-foot-2, 207 pounder said he does have a higher comfort level at linebacker after starting there last season.

"Sometimes I think I'll be too aggressive when I'm playing safety," said Smith, who also plays some safety in the Irish's nickel package. "You can do that more when you're down there (playing linebacker)."

Smith is tied with linebacker Brian Smith for the second most tackles with 40, and defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jon Tenuta liked what he saw in Harrison Smith's return to linebacker.

"You look at Harrison, the first time he blitzed (against Boston College) he knocked the ball loose," Tenuta said. "There's a guy who is a tremendous athlete, and I'm going to use him more and more because he's an outstanding blitzer."