Notre Dame DT Jayson Ademilola Returning in 2022

Notre Dame just got a major boost as Jayson Ademilola has announced he’ll return for the 2022 season. 

Ademilola has played in 41 games over his four years in South Bend and is coming off a huge 2021 campaign. 

As a senior, the New Jersey native recorded 50 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 13 games for the Fighting Irish. 

Earlier this fall, Ademilola felt his game was ascending, but he also admitted there was plenty more room for growth.

"I'm still learning as a player,” said Ademilola. “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." 

Former head coach Brian Kelly had also seen Ademilola take a significant step in his game in 2021. 

”I think the bigger evolution has been off the field,” Kelly stated. “Takes care of himself. He is extremely focused on what he is doing on a day-to-day basis. I just think he has a different level of maturity in the way he approaches his work every day and it shows itself.

“He's fitter, he's stronger and he's more mature and he's getting more of an opportunity, all that comes with it. Just his outlook and his focus and preparation has been so much different than last year.”

For his career, Ademilola has tallied 106 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss. 5.0 sacks and one forced fumble. 

Notre Dame will now wait on key decisions from vyper Isaiah Foskey and center Jarrett Patterson.