Litchfield Ajavon Enjoys Second Trip to Notre Dame
2019 Episcopal (Va.) safety Litchfield Ajavon is taking his recruitment slow, but he is also making sure he rewards the schools that have made an extra effort to recruit him. The four-star prospect was in South Bend over the weekend and experienced Notre Dame’s 52-17 win over Miami.
“It was good to get back there at a time students were on campus,” the 6-foot, 185-pounder told Irish Sports Daily. “I got a feel for what campus is like and caught a football game."
The Baltimore native got to see Notre Dame in-depth during a summer visit, so this trip was more about reminding him of things around campus and experiencing game day.
“I didn’t really do anything that much different from the first time I was there,” explained Ajavon. “I got to tour the place again, but not in as much detail as last time. I got to go around campus and see some of the buildings.
“My host, Monica, was from St. Mary’s and she was great. We had a lot of fun throughout the day. The big thing was experiencing the game day atmosphere, and it was great to see that because I hadn’t got to see that before.”
Area recruiter Clark Lea told Ajavon to not look at the trip as a recruiting trip, but to enjoy the experience and soak it all in. While it was simple advice, Ajavon listened to Lea, and it allowed him to enjoy the day even more.
“I listened to what Coach Lea told me and took a step back so I could enjoy the experience,” stated Ajavon. “I got to reflect on everything. I took a step back, and I got to be a fan of the game. I was able to experience the atmosphere, and it was great.”
One of the highlights of the day was seeing The Walk. Ajavon had a front row seat as Notre Dame entered the stadium and it was a moment he won’t soon forget.
“It was cool to see when the recruits were walking, there were people calling my name, and they knew who we were,” said Ajavon. “They were trying to shake my hand, even older people were trying to shake my hand. It was something I hadn’t experienced before, and it was awesome.
“I was in the front when the team started walking to the stadium. I had to catch it on camera because it was something I felt that was very powerful. They had kids that were out there for hours waiting for them to come. There were young folks and older folks just showing their support for the coaches and players. It set a great tone, and it translated to the game.”
Ajavon definitely took in the day as a fan, but he also made sure he was paying close attention the Mike Elko’s defense during the game.
“The defense did a great job,” stated Ajavon. “It was exciting to see the offense, defense, and special teams compliment each other. The defense would force a turnover, and the offense would put points on the board.
“The safeties were good, and that’s what happens when the guy that runs the defense coaches the safety position. You saw how disciplined they were and how detail-oriented they were on the field. They hustled, and they were savages when they got to the ball. The whole defense were savages when they got to the ball. I liked seeing that.”
One aspect Ajavon wants in a school is to play for a coach that allows his players to have fun. The Episcopal standout saw the secondary having fun and was encouraged to see the way they responded to the coaching staff.
“I got a chance to see them having fun during and after the game,” recalled Ajavon. “The guys were laughing at stuff that happened on the field after the game. They really enjoy themselves on and off the field. It was attractive to see.”
Notre Dame’s players also made a positive impact on Ajavon during the visit.
“Jalen Elliott hosted me, and I got to hang with him after the game,” stated Ajavon. I got to meet Donte Vaughn and Chase Claypool. Chase’s cousin, Jamall Mensah, goes to my school, and I spoke to him. I also met Shaun Crawford, and it was awesome as well. It was great to meet guys that started and played. They all asked my name and were engaged with me and didn’t make anything awkward.
“We all hung out after the game and got something to eat together. We got to talk about their experiences at Notre Dame. I heard what they like and what they don’t like about Notre Dame. They were very honest with me, and I really appreciated that.”
Overall, Ajavon enjoyed himself on his visit and the Irish continue to make the right moves with one of the nation’s top safety prospects.
“I didn’t go to necessarily help with recruiting,” said Ajavon. “I wanted to experience what the school was like when it was football season. I liked it in that aspect.
“I really enjoyed myself. It’s a great school, great football team and a great campus.”