24 MAY 2021 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED
BY LOU SOMOGYI
I
t's not often a defense can gradu-
ate four defensive ends into the
NFL over a two-year period like
Notre Dame will this spring.
Last year it was third- and fifth-
round selections Julian Okwara and
Khalid Kareem, respectively. This
year Ade Ogundeji and Daelin Hayes
are projected to see their names
called on the second and third day of
the draft as well.
Yet in 2021, the quality rotation
and depth assembled along the de-
fensive line by coach Mike Elston
is expected to remain. Last year, 11
different Notre Dame defensive line-
men played at least 141 snaps, led
by Ogundeji's 483 at strong-side end
and Hayes' 433 at vyper end.
TWIN BILL
Jayson and Justin Ademilola continue to be part of
the rotation along a more flexible defensive line
Jayson (left) and Justin (right) Ademilola will both be important members of Notre Dame's defensive line in 2021.
PHOTOS COURTESY NOTRE DAME ATHLETICS
