Notre Dame Notebook: Al Washington Talks Irish Standouts, Defensive Line Improvement

Notre Dame’s defensive line was one of a handful of question marks the Fighting Irish had entering spring practice. The unit was solid in 2022, but the losses of veteran players Isaiah Foskey, Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola represented a large void that must be filled in the 2023 season.

The answer to how to replace a total of 113 tackles, 17 sacks, 14 more quarterback hurries and 22.5 tackles for loss between the trio of players would not be completely answered for defensive line coach Al Washington’s unit this spring, but good signs have emerged for his group with a week to go in spring practice.

"I think we're definitely trending,” Washington said of his unit. “I think we can be pretty good. I don't want to talk it. The play is going to do the talking, but I feel we're trending in the right direction. We got just enough, the right pieces, I think to be not only talented, but tough. We have a bunch of guys that are kind of like, I don't want to say chip on their shoulder, but nobody's really been established yet.”

ON JASON ONYE

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the spring, at any position, let alone defensive line, has been from defensive tackle Jason Onye. The rising junior began his Irish career two years ago as a raw three-star recruit who had only played two seasons of high school football.

Onye started his career at defensive end, but he has moved inside where he has been impressive in the two practices where media have been able to see him go live. Washington and Onye met as soon as last season ended to discuss the next step the 292-pound lineman needed to take to find his way into the rotation.

"He's smart,” Washington said of Onye. "He's very coachable, he cares. I mean, he's impressive. We just have to keep working on little things.”

Onye has reworked his body from 289 pounds and 27% body fat when he arrived on campus to a more sculpted physique at 292 pounds, but only 12% body fat. The rework has provided noticeable dividends on the field.

"He can bend better, his output is higher, longer,” Washington estimated. "Especially inside the trenches. When you're in better shape, man, everything's calmer. I feel like he's maturing that way. And that investment has helped him.”

ON JORDAN BOTELHO

Senior Jordan Botelho is another player who is working to find his way onto the field more regularly this fall. The rising senior has seen action in 35 games over the last three seasons, but most of it has been on special teams.

He has played both Rover and Vyper defensive end, but with both Foskey and Justin Ademilola gone from the Vyper depth chart, Botelho finds himself at the top of the heap there this spring.

"Jordan just has to take care of Jordan,” Washington stated. "Take care of his business, take care of his body, take care of the things that are important to him. Keep the main thing the main thing, and everything else will take care of itself. He’s a great kid, he works his tail off, he really cares, and he’s really matured and really made a point to go for it.

"He could’ve went any other way but forward with it and he decided to go forward with it,” Washington continued. "JB’s thing is him taking care of his business because the kids love him and I certainly love him. He’s a joy to work with and he’s progressing, man. He’s turning into an every down guy, not just a third down guy. Be out there every down. That’s the goal and I think he’s becoming that.”

ON JUNIOR TUIHALAMAKA

A new entry to the Vyper depth chart is Junior Tuihalamaka, who played in all 13 games as a true freshman last fall, but like Botelho, the bulk of his action was as a special teams player.

Tuihalamaka’s position last season was also middle linebacker, at least early in the season. He began to make the transition to Vyper end late in the season, and it seemed to become more permanent during Notre Dame’s Gator Bowl practices and he has continued there this spring.

"He’s really sharp,” Washington boasted of Tuihalamaka. "I’ll be honest, when he was playing linebacker, stack-backer, he was damn good. He can sit it, feel it, he’s instinctual beyond his years. I think that element has been awesome. He’s a guy on the grass that can solve problems, and he’s tough. Obviously talented, he’s taken off. I think he’s progressing really nice and I have a high level of faith in him, trust in him. So, in terms of him knowing what’s going on and willing to fight in tough moments. I’m excited about him.”

ON JAVONTAE JEAN-BAPTISTE

Ohio State graduate transfer Javontae Jean-Baptiste has been working opposite of Botelho and Tuihalamaka at the “big end” position. Jean-Baptiste is entering his sixth year of eligibility after playing in 47 games from 2018-2022 at OSU, where he tallied 53 total tackles and eight sacks.

"It's almost like he'll play off the edge quite a bit,” Washington explained of Jean-Baptiste. "He's done a great job. He's embraced everything, and I know I've been around him three years, and I know where he's coming from and played a lot of ball. This isn't his first rodeo, but he has taken it upon himself to take those next steps, and he's been great. He's done a really good job.”

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