Jaguars sign Notre Dame DT Jayson Ademilola as undrafted free agent
Jayson Ademilola was one of the most charismatic characters on the Notre Dame roster the last handful of years. He always spoke his mind, for better or worse. And he played some inspired, productive football along the way.
Now he has the chance to positively affect an NFL locker room.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Ademilola as an undrafted free agent Saturday after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft, Notre Dame announced. Ademilola was always a fringe draft candidate. It’s not surprising he never heard his name called. But it also wouldn’t be surprising if he works his way onto a 53-man roster.
Ademilola played in 43 games with 25 starts at Notre Dame since arriving in South Bend as the No. 14 overall defensive linemen in the recruiting class of 2018 according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The four-star out of Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peters Prep held offers from several other premier programs including Georgia, Ohio State and Clemson.
Ademilola’s size stands out at the defensive tackle position. He’s 6-3, 290 pounds. He compiled 135 total tackles with 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks in his career. He had the second-most quarterback pressures (25) of any Notre Dame defensive player in 2022. Only defensive end Isaiah Foskey, a second-round selection of the New Orleans Saints, had more with his 33.
Ademilola’s ability to power through opposing offensive lines is impressive. Two seasons ago, he led a Notre Dame team that went 11-1 with 43 quarterback pressures. Foskey had 32 that year. Ademilola sacked Penn State product Sean Clifford on his first dropback in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
But for all Ademilola’s pass-rushing prowess from the middle, it’s a relatively unproven ability to hold up against the run, especially against NFL offensive linemen, that is the reason for him likely not going off the board as one of 259 picks in the draft. TheDraftNetwork.com listed Ademilola’s top reason for concern as questionable “functional strength to play inside.”
Ademilola showed up at Notre Dame five years ago with his twin brother, Justin. For five years, nobody in the program questioned their devotion or determination. The Ademilola twins love football, and Jayson is certainly going to do whatever it takes to stay in the league as long as he can.
