Bishop Luers linebacker Jaylon Smith, a Notre Dame recruit, had a sense of relief during Friday afternoon's ceremony at the school's gym when he received his official invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

He wasn't relieved about being invited, he already knew he was going to be part of the game that will be played at1 p.m. Jan. 5 in San Antonio's Alamodome.

Smith, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound five-star recruit, was relieved he wouldn't be asked any questions about where he would play in college. He committed to Notre Dame in June.

"You can just go to things like this and just be settled, not have to worry about all these questions on who's in the front," Smith said. "I'm really glad I made the decision to go to Notre Dame."

Smith is also trying to continue to help the Irish bring in more talented players in his recruiting class.

He said he was working on convincing four-star prospect L.J. Moore to pick the Irish when he was at last Saturday's win over Michigan.

"It was great," Smith said. "We had L.J. Moore from California. I actually hosted him. He's a cornerback, and he had a great time. We are looking forward to having a lot of recruits."

Smith has also been in contact with Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.

Te'o went home this week after playing the last two games after the death of his grandmother and girlfriend.

"I had my lei on, definitely was praying for Manti," Smith said. "We talked a couple days ago on Twitter, really just telling me everything is good and he's keeping a positive attitude. Really looking forward to watching Manti in the future."

Smith also said he would pick Te'o as this season's Heisman Trophy winner.

"Most definitely," Smith said, "he's definitely No. 1 in the Butkus Award right now."