SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Notre Dame freshman safety Tae Johnson is making an early impact this season, recording his first career interception against Boise State in Week 5 and adding two more picks against Boston College.

Johnson’s success comes with inspiration from another Fort Wayne native who made his mark with the Irish — former Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith.

“Just us both being from Fort Wayne, you know, and just to have that face. For me growing up just to have that face that I could look at and see and know he is doing everything that I want to do,” Johnson said. “He’s playing college football. He was a second-round draft pick. Just to see that face and being from Fort Wayne gave me the confidence I needed.”

Smith, who was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys

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