Defensive Notebook | DL Jayson Ademilola and LB JD Bertrand

Notre Dame defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola and linebacker JD Bertran spoke this week as the Irish prepare for Navy. 

DL Jayson Ademilola
On facing the triple-option after facing two passing offenses:
"It slows you down because it's a different offense that you're going against. Whatever you did in the past, you have to really harp on learning this new offense and being detail-oriented. It slows me down and we're still learning everything. We want to be on the details this week.” 

On what the coaches are emphasizing this week:
"Being aware of what you have to do each snap you play. If you have to tackle the back, tackle the back. If you tackle the midline, then tackle the midline. If you're sitting down for the quarterback, then you have to sit for the quarterback. 

"Everyone has a different job and everyone has to know their job and do their job to make sure you're tackling and tackling the right way.” 

On Navy game being physical:
"We just all go back to our traits. We're working hard in the weight room, coming to practice and learning what we have to do. We're going out to practice and executing. On game day, it will just come out. We'll be prepared to succeed against 60-65 snaps or whatever the case may be." 

On where he feels the defense is currently at:
"Everyone is learning and striving to be the best version of themselves. Everyone is trying to be great. We're still earning and getting better each week. We have a bunch of guys who love each other. It means a lot to us, so we're going to go out there and strive for greatness each time we're on the field." 

On his own growth this season:
"I'm still learning as a player. I'm trying to get better in everything I'm trying to do each week. Everybody makes mistakes and I'm trying to improve each week and try to be the best version of Jayson." 

On NFT release with his brother Justin:
"I really haven't even got a chance to really enjoy it. I didn't buy any entity. I saw it on Twitter because people were tagging me, saying they bought it. I've been busy with football and trying to execute and win games with my team. 

"I know my parents and a few of my friends have bought some and they were showing me. Besides that, I really haven't seen it." 

On the importance of walk-on QB Chase Ketterer:
"It's very important. I'm not sure, but Chase might have run this offense in high school. He's super athletic and very tough. We were hitting him today, so he's super physical. He can run the offense and he just loves it.

“He's one of the guys that makes me happy to be out there practicing because he's like a captain on scout team. Everyone respects and if he's telling you what to do, you're going to listen." 

LB JD Bertrand
On what has prepared him to take a high number of snaps:
"I've always done a good job of conditions and credit to our coaches as we do a good job of emphasizing that. The way practice is set up has allowed us to prepare for that and there is never standing around when we go from period to period. Practice has been able to keep that conditioning aspect up." 

On how his body is holding up:
"I'm doing pretty well. The bye week really gave me the opportunity to focus on my recovery and ever since then, I've been able to feel a lot better. I'm fortunate for that, but after the bye week, I sat down and talked about what I need to do better. One of the things was trying to make sure I feel my absolute best going into each game." 

On triple-option:
"I think the biggest thing is being more physical and being able to find the ball. At the end of the day, that's what it's going to be all about. 

"I've played a triple-option team before in high school and it's a little different trying to adjust to the speed to the speed that Navy plays and how well and efficiently they do it. You know it’s going to be a physical game and coming in with that mindset is the key to success.” 

On if the defense has changed much (outside of this week): 
"It's changed somewhat as you saw we went to the nickel package. We don't know what the weeks coming will entail. We're focused on this week and Navy is always a challenge." 

On LB Prince Kollie:
"Prince has done a really good job. He's definitely done a good job of stepping into the backup role and being able to take those extra snaps in practice and trying to capitalize on them. It's been good to see." 

On the change from facing UNC and USC to Navy:
"It's definitely a change. I think the biggest thing is we know we're going to have to adjust to the speed of the game. You're not necessarily going to get that look at that speed in practice. We know through extra film and walk-throughs is where we're going to be able to pick up on that speed." 

On excitement to be part of the Navy rivalry:
"I think it'll be really fun. It seems like a really fun game, especially at my position as a linebacker. The tradition part is always a super cool part. Notre Dame has a lot of tradition and the same with Navy and bringing the two together is an exciting opportunity." 

On Kyren Williams' run vs. UNC:
"It was crazy. We've always known he's been that kind of player. Our freshman year, when we were redshirted, we knew he was going to be an insane player. It's great to see him fulfill that role." 

On if he can track Kyren down:
"Yeah."