2017 Class Picks Up Another Offensive Tackle

Notre Dame received its third commitment in the 2017 recruiting class today when Keystone State offensive tackle Josh Lugg pledged to the Irish. Lugg is listed at 6'6" and 288 pounds; in the 2017 247 Composite, he is the #171 overall player, #27 offensive tackle, and #6 player in Pennsylvania.

Lugg has already made multiple trips to Notre Dame; the most recent included his mother, who was on campus for the first time. The way young Josh spoke about Notre Dame before that visit, many felt his mother might have been along to provide an imprimatur - and the results today would seem to bear that out.

Cohort

In addition to Notre Dame, Lugg holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Wisconsin, and had drawn interest from Nebraska and Ohio State. Penn State in particular was after Lugg hard, and Tennessee had made an impression lately. Sound like any other 2017 prospect you can think of?

Recruiting Service Rankings

Rivals - 4 star (5.8 rating), #196 overall, #21 position, #8 in Pennsylvania

247 - 4 star (90 rating), #224 overall, #29 position, #8 in Pennsylvania

ESPN - 4 star (81 rating), #178 overall, #24 position, #5 in Pennsylvania

Scout - 4 star, #101 overall, #14 position, #4 in Pennsylvania

247 Composite - 4 star (0.9303 rating), #171 overall, #27 position, #6 in Pennsylvania

Highlights

Hey look, it's another Harry Hiestand target with an attitude. I'm starting to think it might not be just a coincidence... Seriously, Lugg has that nasty streak that you love to see. He doesn't want to knock his guy to the turf, he wants to knock his guy through the turf. There are a few plays on this reel where he's hitting to the echo of the whistle, too. He shows some really impressive strength and athleticism, moving very well on pulls and screens. It's not hard to see why so many coaching staffs like him.

As usual for young guys, he does play a little high, and he's a better run blocker than pass blocker, where his natural aggression is less of an asset. Very coachable areas, though, and no doubt he'll improve even this year as he matures in his understanding of the position.

Sophomore Year:

Instant Impact

I sound like a broken record now with offensive line commits, but... Lugg will be able to redshirt his freshman year to develop mentally and physically. At 6'6" and 288 pounds already I'm not sure how much physical development potential he'll have when he gets to campus, but obviously mental is another story. In any case, he probably won't contribute in any meaningful way until 2018 at the earliest.

Long Term / Career

Lugg has every characteristic needed to become a starter eventually. Looking at his tape I'm inclined to think he'll stay at tackle, but no doubt he could also slide inside to guard and put that attitude to good use as a mauler too. As we've said so many times over the last couple of years, Hiestand has built an absolute machine on the offensive line and the Irish should be well stocked for many years.

Welcome to the family, Josh!