Simon Excited To Learn from Tranquill

2018 Notre Dame linebacker signee Shayne Simon‍ will see his prep career come to an end later this week in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but he’s making the best of his with his St. Peter’s Prep (N.J.) teammate Jayson Ademilola‍. 

“We’re all really cool together, and we’ve played together for a while,” Simon said. “Jayson and I were watching it in our room. We were going crazy when Miles caught that touchdown. It was good stuff.” 

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder credits the new coaching staff for the huge turnaround on the defensive side of the ball. 

“It’s the new regime and staff that has come in,” stated Simon. “We were able to watch coach (Mike) Elko and coach (Clark) Lea come in and change the program. They really helped the defense. They are playing fast, athletic and tenacious. It was something cool to watch.” 

Elko has earned the trust from the four-star prospect as he has proved the defense is on the right trajectory, but also because of constant communication.

“He brought a whole new mindset to the defense,” explained Simon. “He simplified some things and made a base scheme and worked from there. I think everyone liked it. 

“We talk all the time, and I’m ready to get up there in summer and just compete.”

Speaking of playing time, Simon will arrive in June and hopes to find a role in helping the team. 

“I want to play as much as much as I can and help the team wherever I can,” Simon stated. “I want to contribute to the whole process of helping us win a championship.” 

Simone will start off at rover at Notre Dame and has been taking mental reps watching the Irish this fall. Current Notre Dame rover Drue Tranquill will be back in 2018, and Simon hopes to soak in as much knowledge from him as possible.

“I’m versatile,” said Simon. “I can play in coverage on tight ends and receivers. I can come off the edge, and I try to do a little bit of everything. 

“I watch the whole picture, but I also watch Drue Tranquill and how he plays. He’s a terrific player, and I want to learn as much from him as I can.”