Early Signing Period: 3-Star OT Cole Mabry to Notre Dame

Would you believe there’s two Cole Mabrys attracting attention from Football Bowl Subdivision schools for their on-field play?

Here’s what you need to know about the Cole Mabry that just signed with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish:

1. He may not be in the class if it were not for offensive coordinator Chip Long, according to Irish Illustrated’s Pete Sampson. Long identified Mabry as a target during his time in Memphis, pitched him to offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and got Hiestand’s buy-in.
2. Mabry took less than 72 hours from the time he was offered to commit to the class. He attended Notre Dame’s Junior Day on Feb. 11, during which he received a scholarship offer. He made his commitment public on Valentine’s Day.
3. Mabry had offers from the LSU Tigers, Memphis Tigers, Purdue Boilermakers and Cincinnati Bearcats, among others. He hasn’t wavered in his commitment, declining to entertain other visits since February.
4. Heistand told Mabry that he’ll likely play guard or tackle at Notre Dame, but not center.

OFD analyst Nick DuBose adds:

This is a very good pick up for the Fighting Irish. Two tackles were being targeted for this year and Mabry is a good start. He is a classic right tackle. He probably is not polished enough in pass blocking for a left tackle, but he is still athletic enough to develop into a starter on the right side.

I truly think, after 2 years (including a redshirt) in Notre Dame’s offensive system, that he will have developed into a solid offensive lineman. We have the depth to be patient, and it will be worth the wait. Mabry has a mean streak that showed itself quite prominently on film. Mabry plays with an attitude, something that will be a welcomed trait in South Bend.

The class of 2018 also includes three-star John Dirksen; the Irish are reportedly looking for one more lineman by the second signing day in February.