Coach: Ajavon A Great Fit For Notre Dame On, Off Field

Erik Nowell wasn’t surprised to see Litchfield Ajavon‍ announce his commitment to Notre Dame last week. Nowell, who coaches defensive backs at Episcopal and trains the 2019 Virginia safety saw signs that Ajavon’s recruitment was heading in that direction for months.

“I had a conversation with him months back and he mentioned academics was most likely his top priority when it comes to choosing a school,” Nowell recalled.

“He visited Notre Dame and loved it and knows how they are academically and it was pretty much a no-brainer at that point.”

Nowell is confident in the safety and the citizen the Irish scored in landing Ajavon’s commitment.

“He’s a great person on and off the field,” the coach said. “Off the field, you’re going to get a guy who has great character, someone you don’t have to constantly remind to do things over and over again. Schoolwork is going to be on time, being in class on time is always going to be his thing.

“It’s almost like talking to an adult at such an early age; someone you don’t have to worry about always doing the right thing.”

Nowell said, “on the field, he’s going to be a leader pretty much as soon as he gets there.”

“The guy is a sponge,” he added. “He’s going to learn everything. He’s almost like a perfectionist, he wants to make sure he gets everything right. He’s going to make sure everyone else around him is better. He’s just a phenomenal athlete. It’s not just football, he excels in track. You put him anywhere and he’ll succeed.”

His greatest talents are obvious to Nowell.

“Speed,” he said confidently. “You can’t teach speed. You can work on it, you can get better at, but it’s one thing you’re born with. The guy is super smart.

“He’s always in the right place. He has a nose for the ball. That’s something else you can’t teach. With most kids, it’s something you have to work on, but he was born with that talent. He’s good size already. Obviously, he’s able to put on weight if he needed to, but he’s definitely ready when it comes to that.”

Ajavon is already in the ear of Salim Turner-Muhammad‍, his defensive backfieldmate at Episcopal, about Notre Dame.

“Salim is a true corner,” Nowell said. “He could play safety if he needed to, but I feel like once he steps foot on the field at the corner position, you’re not going to want to move him. Litchfield is a true safety who can go down in the box.

“If they can play together another four years, it would be awesome. If Notre Dame can get both of them, it would be absolutely amazing. I would definitely tune in for every one of those games.”

Nowell considers himself grateful.

 “I’m super lucky to have been his trainer/coach. Litchfield is definitely one of a kind, a true generational talent. Notre Dame is an extremely great place for him to be.”