Justin Ademilola's 'Physical Skill Set Makes Him A Special Player'
Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep head coach Rich Hansen has one versatile player in the back end of his defense in junior Shayne Simon.
But, Hansen has the luxury of having another versatile player in the front end in defensive lineman/linebacker Justin Ademilola. Hansen sees some similarities between Simon and Ademilola.
“The great thing about Justin is he can play a couple of different places,” Hansen said. “He’s a bigger, thicker Shayne Simon. I see him with his hand down and being very athletic edge rush guy, but I also see him playing a linebacker spot and has the tools to do so.
“He can play in space and can handle playing in some zone coverage. He really gives you a lot of athleticism at both of those spots.”
When Ademilola steps on the field on game day, he makes life tough on the opposition.
“When Justin plays in practice all week with that attitude and that tempo he really is a difference maker and jumps out at you on game day,” Hansen said. “…His physical skill set makes him a special player. He’s a first level, second level player and Justin can do a lot of things. He’s fluid and that makes him a really easy piece to fit into your defense.”
Though Ademilola plays both defensive end and linebacker at St. Peter’s, some project he will wind up on the defensive line. For Hansen, that’s the beauty of Ademilola’s skill set.
“He’s a hybrid kid,” Hansen said. “Genetically he can probably be 280 next week if I wanted him to be. He’s the kind of kid that takes care of himself. He’s strong and quick as well.
“If I could pick one thing that they both gotten so much better at especially this past year was their explosiveness off the ball. Justin is like being shot out of a cannon sometimes when he has his hand in the ground. Any time you can be flexible in your skill set it’s a great thing.”
With both Ademilolas up front and the other talent at St. Peter’s, Hansen and his defensive staff can do much more compared to other programs.
“We can get a little more creative. We’re blessed,” Hansen said. “The great thing for them is they are competing every day against talented kids. There is a lot of pride within that defensive line.
“There are four Division I players up front and they will have a lot of fun being successful together. It’s a great luxury to have the leaders of the group be the twins.”
Hansen described Ademilola as a little more quiet and reserved compared to his brother Jayson.
Ademilola will be looking to improve on a junior campaign which saw him rack up 85 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hurries.
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