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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will, once again, take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully, we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2021 season.
#52 Zeke Correll, C
Before coming to South Bend from the great state of Ohio, Correll attracted Irish eyes as a four-star recruit out of Cincinnati’s Anderson High School. The offensive guard also received offers from powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan and Clemson. As a high schooler, he earned a spot on the 2018 Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division II First Team All-State and took part in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game. Correll stood as the No. 7 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 4 player from Ohio in the 247Sports.com rankings.
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In his first season with the Irish, Correll saw action against New Mexico, Bowling Green, Navy and Boston College — just enough to retain his year of eligibility. As a sophomore, he fought Josh Lugg into a starting role after Jarrett Patterson went out for the season with an injury. Correll finished the season with with starts against North Carolina and in the Rose Bowl.
The Restaurant That Fits
I may rep the 330, but I’m choosing Skyline Chili for this Cincinnati native.
2021 Outlook
Even before Patterson’s injury in 2020, plans were in place for Correll to work towards being the starting center in 2021 to help allow Patterson to move to left tackle (or elsewhere to put the best five on the field).
On Correll’s athleticism, Kelly has said, “He can snap the football. He’s very smart, a really good pass protector.”
He’s put on nearly thirty pounds of bulk since arriving in South Bend, proven he has the drive for the high-stakes games, particularly when he played on an injured ankle in the Rose Bowl, and specialized as a center.
If Correll’s development at the center position and Kelly’s confidence continue to line up, then Irish fans can expect true impact out of Correll. While the line is still very much a fluid thing, we can all expect Correll to be the top choice at center in 2021.
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