St. Peter's Prep Video Recap
Written by Alec Swain
This weekend, Irish Sports Daily’s Christian McCollum spent time in New Jersey and had the chance to visit St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, where he spoke with Marauders head coach Rich Hansen, 2018 defensive line commits Jayson and Justin Ademilola and 2018 Rover target Shayne Simon.
The Ademilola brothers have been committed to Notre Dame since last June and have been solid in their commitments ever since. However, programs like Ohio State and Alabama continue to increase their interest, which will maintain pressure on the Irish staff till Signing Day.
The Ademilolas began the interview by explaining why Notre Dame was the right choice for them.
“Great academics, great football and great tradition,” explained Jayson.
Even though it may seem like a simple answer, it shows Jayson is looking for the perfect all-around fit in his potential home for the next three to four years. Justin also was able to explain what stood out to him.
“For me, on my first visit when I first came up there on my sophomore year, I just fell in love with Coach (Brian) Kelly and Coach (Mike) Elston and what they bring to the table there,” stated Justin. “I feel like I can succeed in life at Notre Dame.”
With the twins being future defensive linemen, they are definitely focused on Elston and his coaching techniques. The brothers had plenty of positive things to say about their future position coach and the way he interacts with his players.
“He is a straightforward guy,” said Justin. “He is a disciplined guy and he will coach you up and he is a lovable coach so I think I will have a good four years with him.
Jayson was quick to echo his brother’s response about Elston. The brothers have a tight bond with the Notre Dame defensive line coach and both seem excited about the potential success they can all have together.
Obviously, since the Ademilola twins committed, Notre Dame has changed its defensive coordinator. With the addition of Mike Elko, both Justin and Jayson feel like it is only a matter of time before the Irish defense starts to dominate again.
“He had one of the best defenses in the country last year at Wake Forest,” explained Jayson. “He is bringing his scheme to ND so I'm really excited to see what he is bringing to the table.”
When asked about the kind of guy Elko is, it was apparent the New Jersey connection between Elko and the twins has definitely aided in the relationship.
Last year, the twins were able to be on campus for a camp and were able to show their skills in front of the staff. Now, with all the turnover they are looking forward to working out in front of the new staff.
Justin and Jayson have been working hard this offseason to improve their technique. As they inch closer to the football season, they are really starting to hone in on specific areas they want to improve on.
“Coach Hansen has developed my hips and my hands a lot,” explained Jayson.
Justin and Jayson credit Hansen and personal defensive line coach, Peter Kafaf, for their continual improvement in their forms. They are constantly competing against one another and each look to beat the other in hurries, sack total, and tackles.
The 2018 class has been off to an impressive start as the Irish have a Top 10 recruiting class nationally. According to the Ademilolas, the class continues to bond as the process goes on.
“Its a really tight class, we always talk,” said Jayson. “Even the 2017 class, we’re always on Facetime, texting. When someone is in New Jersey they come over and we just have a really tight bond, just chilling right now. When we get up to ND we are all together, we will all be a close family; we will have a tight bond.”
The recruiting class looks to continue to build as the twins look to add Houston Griffith and Thomas Booker, specifically. In addition, to their constant recruiting pitch to Simon, their friend and teammate. It is clear the Ademilolas truly want to play alongside the best talent the nation has to offer.
Watch the Ademilola Brothers’ Video here now
The brothers plan to get back to South Bend for Irish Invasion and
Simon plans on joining them. Simon acknowledged he’s getting close to trimming his
list and although he declined to say who may make the cut, it seems like Notre
Dame and Michigan are both in great shape.
Hansen spoke about the Ademilola brothers and Simon as well as current Notre Dame quarterback and former St. Peter’s Prep signal-caller Brandon Wimbush.
Hansen believes in a multi-faceted approach to running a program that has become a perennial power and acknowledges it takes a productive and healthy community along with talented players in order to be successful.
“We have a structured environment,” explained Hanson. “Along with great kids that want to work hard because they want to get to a great ending. That great ending for us is getting them off to a great school.”
Hansen’s reaction to Wimbush was obvious.
“I smile when you mention his name,” said Hansen. “He is such a winner. You can spend five minutes with a kid and kind of know what he is about. Took about two minutes with Brandon Wimbush to get to know what he is about.
“He exudes those qualities as a quarterback. He is a great leader, great face for the program kid is going to always do the right thing the kid is gonna be a great player a great person and gonna be a great player. I think ND knows what they have and hopefully he can hold true to that and continue to get better which he has always done and I'm sure he will have great success.”
Hansen says Wimbush has stayed patient with the process and knows Wimbush understands the process and it has made him more mature.
Hansen acknowledges Wimbush has carried over a lot of what he learned at St. Peter’s Prep to his time at Notre Dame just by watching last month’s Blue-Gold Game in South Bend. Hansen was quick to compliment Wimbush’s arm strength and decision-making. He realizes the level of competition is different, but he sees Wimbush has been retaining everything he has learned.
Hansen is also impressed with the maturation of the Ademilola twins. Besides their obvious physical attributes, the coach is struck by their work ethic.
“They know what the goal is and if they can do that they will be off the charts,” said Hansen.
Hansen is accustomed with the recruiting process with the Ademilolas, Simon and Wimbush, but also with standouts such as Minkah Fitzpatrick. Hansen believes that St. Peter’s Prep has aided in finding the perfect fits for his players. He believes that if the talent is there that it tends to fall into place during the recruiting process. St. Peter’s Prep has been a good fit for a lot of programs and recruits over the years, but Hansen sees an especially good fit with his kids and the Irish.