Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith breaks up pass from Dak Prescott to Rod Smith.

When it comes to an open field, one of the last defensive players you want to run into on the Dallas Cowboys is linebacker Jaylon Smith.

Last season, Smith was coming back from a gruesome knee injury and was forced to wear a foot-brace on his drop foot. It limited his movements.

However, things will be different for Smith this upcoming season. He no longer needs the foot-brace.

If this video of Smith breaking up a pass from Dak Prescott to Rod Smith is any indicator of how much faster and more explosive Smith feels, Dallas can expect many big plays coming from the Notre Dame prospect.

After watching from the sidelines in year one, Smith finally suited up in Cowboys’ blue and silver come his second year. During his first year back on the field, Smith played in all 16 games and started in five, recording 81 total tackles, forcing two fumbles and one sack.

With limited movement and starts due to the boot, Smith still showed what he is capable of bringing to the table last year. But expect even bigger numbers from Smith now that the limitation is off.

From being drafted with the 34th overall pick in 2016 with many question marks around his name, Smith has quickly started shushing many of his doubters.

At only 23-years-old and going into his second full season, Smith is arguably the brightest up-and-comer on America’s Team, and for good reason. He is hungrier and more motivated than ever.