Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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58 PRESEASON 2020 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED Zionsville (Ind.) High offensive tackle Joey Tanona became Notre Dame's first commitment of the 2022 class when he announced his pledge July 25. He joins the company of quarter- backs Tyler Buchner (2021 recruiting class), Drew Pyne (2020) and Phil Jurkovec (2018), the latter who has transferred to Boston College, plus other current Irish players in defen- sive tackle Jacob Lacey (2019), tight end Brock Wright (2017) and offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (2016). Of Brian Kelly's first commits as Notre Dame's head coach, the most decorated is defensive tackle Jerry Til- lery (2015), who would go on to be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. When Notre Dame offered Tanona May 1, it was all but a foregone con- clusion that he would end up choos- ing the Fighting Irish. "I just felt geographically it was the best fit for me, and academically and athletically I felt it was the best fit for me," Tanona said. "I grew up a Notre Dame fan, so it just was perfect for me." "Joey entered this process with Notre Dame being a team he's always had his eyes on and was a dream place," Zionsville head coach Scott Turnquist added. "As the process went on, there were a few schools that fit that bill, but he and Coach [Jeff] Quinn developed a connection, and the family atmosphere with Notre Dame, the pageantry and history — all of those things came together. "When he had the opportunity to build a relationship with the coaches on top of those other factors, he re- ally felt it was the perfect situation for him." Notre Dame is considered by many — including Sports Illustrated — to be "Offensive Line U," a feat that Tanona hopes to continue while in South Bend. During the recruiting process, he has gotten to know two of his fu- ture teammates well — Irish commits Pat Coogan and Blake Fisher in the 2021 class — and looks forward to playing with them. "I am super excited and can't wait," Tanona said. Notre Dame hosted Tanona for an unofficial visit Feb. 1 and offered him a scholarship three months later. He built a strong relationship with Quinn, the Irish offensive line coach, during the process. "What's really important to me is he's going to develop me as a person and as a player," Tanona said. Rivals ranks Tanona as the No. 3 prospect in Indiana, and the No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 170 overall recruit nationally in the junior class. "Joey still needs developing as a ju- nior but really loves to work and put time in, in the weight room," Turn- quist said. "He has a natural knack for the physicality of the game and likes finishing blocks. He's surpris- ingly athletic, and I think people are going to see that the next couple of years. "He moves really well for his frame and how young he is. His feet move well, and that has been a general theme as coaches have come through and looked at him." Turnquist reports that Tanona was measured at 6-5¾ and regularly weighs in the 290-295 range. He plays left tackle for Zionsville. "Part of the attraction with Joey is his ability to play different positions," Turnquist continued. "I think he has the frame, length, footwork and ath- leticism necessary to play tackle, but I also think he can move to the inside if needed. "By the time he gets to Notre Dame, he could potentially play anywhere along the front five, and part of that comes from his willingness to do whatever he's asked to do and put in the time to develop the ways he needs to." Tanona committed to Notre Dame over LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State and others. — Mike Singer COMMITMENT PROFILE JOEY TANONA Rivals ranks Tanona as the No. 3 prospect in Indiana, and the No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 170 overall recruit nationally. PHOTO BY JOSH HELMHOLDT/COURTESY RIVALS.COM Film Analysis "He's super strong and is an above-average athlete for the position. I think it's a great commitment. He looks fine as a left tackle, but maybe he's a right tackle. He's a good football player, and I'm a fan. "It's pancake city when he gets his hands on guys. What you look for in an offensive lineman — the physical prowess, toughness, footwork, power — he's got it. He seems to have pretty good lateral ability, too." — Blue & Gold Illustrated football analyst Mike Goolsby Notre Dame's First 2022 Commitment Comes From An In-State Lineman "I just felt geographically it was the best fit for me, and academically and athletically I felt it was the best fit for me. I grew up a Notre Dame fan, so it just was perfect for me." TANONA