Notre Dame Football: 5 early signees who’ll have instant impact in 2019
By Jacob Wilson
4. Zeke Correll, OG
Second on this list is offensive guard Zeke Correll. While offensive linemen often require longer periods of time to develop due to the mere strength disparity between freshmen and upperclassmen, Correll’s talent alone has drawn comparisons with one of Notre Dame’s finest, Quenton Nelson. While these comparisons are lofty, they go to show just how talented Correll is.
However, it’s going to take more than just talent to land a starting spot along this Irish offensive line. Assuming Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey retain their respective positions at tackle and Tommy Kraemer remains at right guard, that leaves a maximum of two available jobs along the offensive line.
With captains Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher out of the picture in 2019, Kelly and offensive line coach Jeff Quinn will be searching the roster for permanent replacements. Aaron Banks, who will be a junior in 2019, has played well in the wake of Bars’ season-ending knee injury, giving him the edge at left guard.
It would come as a surprise to see Kelly slide Correll over to center as a true freshmen, but it’s hard to rule anything out when it comes to an athlete with Correll’s talent. All things considered, Correll may end up being one of Kelly’s projects that doesn’t reach its completion until year two. Nevertheless, he has the potential to contribute immediately if he shows some early progress.