InsideNDSports – Maryland transfer O-lineman Mason Lunsford sets Notre Dame visit

On the identical day Notre Dame recognized its option to succeed lately retired offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, the Irish secured plans to take a look at a attainable expertise addition to the place group, quickly to be headed by Joe Rudolph.

Maryland grad switch Mason Lunsford, a two year-starter at offensive guard for the Terrapins, introduced on Monday through Twitter that he’ll be taking an official go to to take a look at the Irish this weekend.

9 days after the 6-foot-7, 305-pound product of Olney (Md.) Good Counsel entered the NCAA switch portal, he’d already amassed eight affords, together with one from LSU. Lunsford was a three-star prospect popping out of highschool with 5 reported affords.

Good Counsel is identical faculty that despatched cornerback Cam Hart and middle Sam Mustipher to Notre Dame lately. In actual fact, Hart and Lunsford had been each within the 2019 recruiting class.

As a result of he’s a grad switch, Lunsford didn’t have to attend till the Might 1-15 window to enter the portal. And wherever he lands, he’ll have two years of eligibility. He’d be a June enrollee if he finally ends up with the Irish.

Rudolph inherits an All-American in junior left sort out Joe Alt and one with the same profession trajectory in junior proper sort out Blake Fisher. Grad senior Zeke Correll is the third returning starter, an incumbent at middle. The guard spots are large open.

Professional Soccer Focus gave Lunsford a 79.8 cross blocking grade and a 62.1 run blocking grade for his play final season. Notre Dame’s 2022 beginning left guard Jarrett Patterson, who left this system this offseason for the NFL, obtained 73.4 and and 70.3 grades, respectively final season. Beginning proper guard Josh Lugg, additionally not returning, was given 65.3 and 71.7 grades, respectively.

Sophomore Billy Schrauth, junior Rocco Spindler and grad senior Andrew Kristofic are all anticipated to compete for the guard vacancies this spring, as would possibly a few of the backup tackles.

Up to now Notre Dame has added 5 scholarship transfers and two walk-on transfers — a document haul already — this offseason. Quarterback Sam Hartman, defensive finish Javontae Jean-Baptiste, security/nickel Thomas Harper and large receiver Kaleb Smith (the elder) are already on campus taking lessons and going by winter exercises.

They’re all anticipated to take part in spring follow, which begins March 22 and concludes with the April 22 Blue-Gold Sport. Scholarship kicker Spencer Shader, walk-on punter Ben Krimm and walk-on defensive finish/linebacker Cole Aubrey will enroll in June.