BK, Elston Meet With Ademilola Twins

Almost a full 18 months ago, Jayson Ademilola‍ and Justin Ademilola‍ arrived in South Bend to work out in front of the Notre Dame coaching staff. The twin defensive linemen from New Jersey had yet to begin their junior seasons at St. Peter’s Prep and understood their recruitments had barely begun, but they’d already decided if the Irish offered, they were committing.

They did and they did.

And despite offers and strong pushes from some of the top programs in the country, the twins never wavered from their decisions.

On Monday night, the Ademilolas hosted Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly for an “in-home visit,” although it wasn’t at their home.

“We opted for dinner in the city because they also had to see Shayne (Simon),” the twins’ father, Ade Ademilola said, referring to their St. Peter’s Prep teammate and fellow Irish commit. “We didn’t want to make it difficult for them.

“We went to Benjamin Steak House, which is one of the best steakhouses in the country actually. It was really nice.”

Mr. Ademilola had one key question for Kelly, who was joined by defensive line coach Mike Elston.

“I know why we picked Notre Dame and why we want to go to Notre Dame,” he explained. “I wanted Coach Kelly to tell me why he picked the boys before he got to know them.

“He said, ‘Listen, when I was researching the boys, I knew they traveled an hour and a half each way to go to school. If that doesn’t motivate a kid to do better, I don’t know what else would. That’s what sold me on them.’”

St. Peter’s Prep head coach Rich Hansen has a relationship with Notre Dame and Kelly that stretches back.

“He said when he spoke to Hansen about them, Hansen told him, ‘Listen, these guys called me in the seventh grade saying they wanted to play for me and set everything up and didn’t mind traveling,’” Mr. Ademilola explained.

That told Kelly all he needed to know about the Ademilolas’ determination.

“It helps that they’re very good football players,” Mr. Ademilola added.

They’re very good football players who may be counted on right away, according to Kelly and Elston.

“I think they may not have a choice but to play Justin and Jayson as freshmen,” Mr. Ademilola said. “They already told us from the beginning that since they play in a very competitive league and from what they see, they should be ready.”

The coaches noted how freshmen defensive linemen Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kurt Hinish were utilized this season.

“With their schedule, it could be an absolute need for them to play next year,” Mr. Ademilola said. “Barring any injuries and if they develop into exactly what they expect, they will play next year. It was a good meeting, it was a good dinner.

“They really, really work hard and they compete for everything. It’s exciting news for them.”

The Ademilolas’ high school career came to a disappointing end with a loss to Bergen Catholic in the state championship game last week, but they’re even more excited to get to work after meeting with Kelly and Elston.

“Absolutely,” their father said. “They are motivated to work.

“They can’t wait to get back to working next week to get ready. This is what they do. They’re working with Coach Pete (Kafaf), they’re getting better. They’re excited. They know they have to go in there and compete.”

The Ademilolas and Simon will be in South Bend for their official visits this weekend while Elston will be back in New Jersey along with defensive coordinator Mike Elko for another in-home next week.