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Irish DT Commit Jayson Ademilola Is "An Athlete And He Works At It"

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Four-star junior defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola committed to Notre Dame this past summer.
Four-star junior defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola committed to Notre Dame this past summer.
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When Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep head coach Rich Hansen thinks of Notre Dame commit Jayson Ademilola he doesn’t see a big body just taking up space.

“If you look at Jayson you know he’s 285 [pounds], but he’s not a fat kid,” Hansen said. “He’s a big, thick kid. Again, you can get those boulders inside they’ll play single-gap elimination. This kid can move and can run down screens, pressure the quarterback and is difficult to move inside.

“I think he’s progressed in his competitive fire over the past few years. Couple that with his ability and he has a great chance to be a terrific player on the next level.”

Ademilola is continuing to learn the little things in order to help take his game to the next level.

“He’s learned how to control his body and to put all of physical attributes to good use on the field,” Hansen said. “There a lot of big kids in the country, but when you play explosively and can finish plays as three-technique it shows a lot of ability.

“Those are things he’s come a long way in doing — coming off blocks, using his athleticism, the extra effort plays on plays away from him. Those things you have to be on the field and you have to practice that and have a desire to do that.”

Hansen had a simple answer when asked what is the first thing that comes to mind when looking at Ademilola.

“He’s a big, athletic looking dude,” Hansen said with laughter. “You’re not going to see sloppy stuff hanging over his belt. He’s an athlete and he works at it. You don’t find a lot of big kids that play the way Jayson plays and can do the things he can.”

Having a player with the skill set of Ademilola at his position is not something Hansen gets his hands on a lot.

“He’s unique with his athleticism and is demonstrating it with his performance.” Hansen said. “It’s not having some slug in there. He’s a kid who can make plays. When you can make high-impact plays as a three-technique you know you’re a different kind of athlete. He’s working really hard in the weight room.”

Ademilola and his brother, Justin, remind Hansen of a former player who is now at the Naval Academy.

“We’ve had some really good defensive line, but they probably stand alone in terms of their athleticism and ability to be that size and make the plays they make,” Hansen said. “We have a guy at Navy, Dave Tolentino, and he was a great player for us.

“They remind me physically superior to him and he played with a motor that is unparalleled. If we could get the twins to play at that motor full-time the sky is the limit. They have it all talent wise.”

Ademilola is simply a “really nice kid.”

“I think that is one of the best things about him,” Hansen said. “He’s not a kid with an attitude or an adjustment needed in that regard. He’s a happy kid who is starting to really respect and appreciate what he has and where he’s at.”

Both Ademilolas remain solid in their commitment to the Irish. Jayson is ranked as the No. 19 defensive tackle and finished his junior season with 86 tackles, 22.5 tackles for a loss 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

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