Why four-star DL target Jermaine Kinsler chose to play as Notre Dame in EA Sports College Football
Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic defensive lineman Jermaine Kinsler, the top junior recruit in the Garden State, has been unable to unofficially visit Notre Dame. So, he did the next best thing—he played as the Fighting Irish in the brand new EA Sports College Football game.
“I was Notre Dame, and we won,” Kinsler told Blue & Gold. “I texted (defensive line coach Al Washington and assistant defensive line coach Nick Sebastian) about it.”
The 6-foot-5½, 270-pound Kinsler, a four-star prospect, did not contact Washington and Sebastian out of the blue. His choosing to play as Notre Dame was not random either.
Since college coaches could begin contacting college football recruits on July 15, the Irish D-line coaching tandem has frequently connected with Kinsler, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 149 overall player and No. 14 defensive lineman in the 2026 class.
Washington and Sebastian told him how impressive the defense was last season. So, Kinsler wanted to see for himself. The Irish’s virtual performance verified their pitch.
“I beat only of my QBs,” he said. “He had Rutgers.”
With 27 other power conference offers, Kinsler is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class. Over the last month, the On3 Industry Ranking’s top defensive line recruit in the Mid-Atlantic said Notre Dame, Miami and Ohio State have been recruiting him the hardest.
Kinsler is originally from Florida. He transferred from Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic to Bergen Catholic for his sophomore year and beyond, citing his eagerness for a new challenge and to be closer to his extended family. He mentioned his uncle is a key figure in his recruitment.
Still, Kinsler found that attending a school noted for its academics was important. He plans to take a similar approach when deciding the outcome of his college football recruitment.
“I want to go to a school with a good education,” he said.
Jermaine Kinsler dishes on Notre Dame football recruitment
Kinsler was one of about 85 sophomore recruits Notre Dame offered on March 17 during their St. Patrick’s Day-themed Pot of Gold Day recruiting event.
Since then, Washington and Sebastian have been his primary points of contact. Kinsler also knows defensive coordinator Al Golden, who has stopped by his high school. Golden graduated from Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic, located about 60 miles from Bergen Catholic.
“Right now, they have been telling me what Notre Dame has to offer and its history,” Kinsler said. “It’s a great place.”
They have also talked about former Bergen Catholic defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste’s development at Notre Dame. Jean-Baptiste signed with Ohio State in 2018. But after five middling years with the Buckeyes, he transferred to Notre Dame and broke out. The Washington Commanders selected him with the No. 222 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“He went to Notre Dame and became a monster,” Kinsler said. “So, the proof is in the pudding. I’m definitely considering it.”
Kinsler also said he connected with Jean-Baptiste’s father through one of his current teammates at Bergen Catholic. The elder Jean-Baptiste only had great things to say about Notre Dame.
With the conversations between Kinsler and the Irish staff going well, the next step in his recruitment is to visit campus. Another of his teammates, 2026 four-star defensive back Jordan Thomas, is considering visiting for the program’s “grill & chill” next Thursday.
However, Kinsler said getting to campus for a game is more likely. Then he can see what the Irish defense really looks like in person.
“I definitely want to get Notre Dame,” he said. “I haven’t decided which game, but Notre Dame is one of the schools I want to visit. … I’ve heard it’s a special place, so I’m anxious to get down there and see what it’s all about.”
The post Why four-star DL target Jermaine Kinsler chose to play as Notre Dame in EA Sports College Football appeared first on On3.
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