Kelly and his crew did a great job getting one of the most
impressive classes across the O-line in the country. They are big, tall and athletic. Although the Irish have some good returning
talent along the offensive line with a bit of depth, there are still a few
question marks for both this season and beyond.
Steve
Elmer was the first verbal commit for this class and has not only stuck
firm to his commitment but has been a huge factor in recruiting other
players. At 6’6” and 305 lbs. with a 40
time of 5.02, he has a great look for the ideal Offensive Tackle and the physical
attributes to start at the collegiate level immediately. Because Elmer committed so early (September
2011) and was so adamant about his commitment, his offer sheet was not as long and
distinguished as many others at his level of talent. He was a solid four-star prospect, and was the
winner of the Anthony Munoz Award as
top prep lineman of the year in 2012, and award presented at the U.S. Army All-American
Bowl. He was also selected as the high
school player of the year in Michigan by the AP. I like
everything about this kid’s size, attitude and personality. Even though he blocks aggressively, finishing
blocks then going down field looking for someone to hit adding a little bit of
a nasty streak may be an area for improvement.
There is little doubt in my mind that Elmer will be a positive force for
the Irish along he offensive lines for several years. See for yourself.
At 6’8” 280 lbs., Mike
McGlinchey has length and a frame to add 20 or more pounds and become a
specimen at tackle. The word is
McGlinchey has a mean streak when mixing it up in the tranches that will serve
him well at the next level. Mike should
take a year to add weight, work with Longo
and become one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He is not a major project for Offensive Line
Coach Harry
Hienstand, but the end result will be
fantastic. Don’t expect to see
McGlinchey on the field in 2013, but he should be a dominant force for the
Irish offense soon thereafter. See for yourself.
Colin
McGovern is another tall lineman now at 6’7” and still has room to add
weight at 290 lbs. McGovern chose Notre
Dame over an impressive offer list including Ohio State, Wisconsin, Nebraska,
Michigan and BCS Championship opponent Alabama.
Colin committed to the Irish after experiencing Notre Dame’s Junior Day
and never wavered in his desire to attend ND.
Although he is listed as a tackle, don’t be surprised to see him end up
at guard after spending a season working on technique. See for yourself.
John
Montelus could see time at guard (played tackle in high school) for the
Irish in 2013 and at 6’5” 300 lbs., he very well may see meaningful snaps next
fall. He does need some conditioning and
technique work. John committed to Notre
Dame during the Blue and Gold Game weekend and was selected for the U.S. Army
All-American Bowl. See for yourself.
Hunter
Bivin was selected as a Parade All-American, and had offers from virtually
every big-time college football program in the country. Bivin is 6’7” 290 lbs. with a tough nasty
streak that plays into is toughness for his offensive line play. Hunter played tackle in high school but
impressed everyone by offering to play center in the Under Armour All-American
Game. Bivin will see the field sooner
than later, the question is where. See for yourself.
Overall, the Irish have done an excellent job shoring up the
future of the offensive line. Early
indications lead us to believe that each of these recruits will contribute to
the success of the Irish offense.
