Notre Dame Football: Irish could have two All-American OGs in 2021
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame Football team got a huge addition in Cain Madden, and with his arrival, the Irish could have two All-American guards in 2021
As we inch closer to the summer months, all eyes are going to be on this Notre Dame Football team, who is trying to make a return trip to the College Football Playoff. The Irish have lost a ton of talent to graduation and the NFL, but fear not, they will once again reload, especially up front along the offensive line.
Remember, this is a group that lost eighty percent of their starting unit from a year ago to the NFL, as all four players were either drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent after the draft ended. That would leave any other program with gaping holes along the offensive line, but this is Notre Dame, which is affectionately referred to as “Offensive Line U.”
With the only returning starter being Jarrett Patterson, who is moving off of his center spot to go to guard, the Irish are set at that position group. Recently, second-team All-American Cain Madden joined Notre Dame as a graduate transfer from Marshall, so the team could have two All-American OGs when all is said and done in 2021.
Notre Dame Football loaded once again along the offensive line
Not only will the Irish have dominant players on the inside, with Zeke Correll likely taking over at center, but the offensive tackle spots should also dominate as well. True freshman Blake Fisher is one of the more exciting young offensive tackles in the country, and Josh Lugg is a veteran talent who should be able to hold his own on the right side.
Also, another true freshman could find time, as Rocco Spindler is another four-star talent who has looked nothing like a first-year player this spring. His arrival could kick Patterson outside if need be, but for now, it looks like the combination of Madden and Patterson will be the offensive guards to start the summer.
Overall, this is a pretty impressive overhaul for the Irish, who have a brand new quarterback under center after Ian Book was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Whether it is Jack Coan, Drew Pyne, or even Tyler Buchner under center in 2021, one thing is for sure, he has a great collection of talent protecting him.