Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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FOOTBALL RECRUITING Notre Dame has limited spots in the class that landing a cornerback was a key goal moving forward. "Notre Dame didn't sign any cor- ners last year, so I couldn't pass up that great opportunity," added Luke, the No. 22 commit in the class. "That's what mainly attracted me to the pro- gram including the 40-year decision." Based on Hamilton head coach and former Irish quarterback Steve Belles' take on Luke's strengths as a player, it's clear why Notre Dame remained diligent in its efforts. "In 22 years of being a head coach, ing career that he has sent to South Bend, but even more important than that he's glad Luke worked hard for the opportunity. "I'm really excited for him," he said. "This isn't about me playing there. It's an experience he's going to have to live with for four or five years. The great thing is it was his choice." Luke, whose uncle Darren Woodson he's the best corner I've ever had," Belles said. "He can cover someone all night and give you all he's got. He loves the challenge, and he's a ball hawker. If there's a ball in the area he's going to knock it down or pick it off. "And he can turn an interception into six points immediately. That's the kind of kid he is and how he plays. He wants to be the man." 247Sports national recruiting direc- tor JC Shurburtt witnessed many of the same traits seeing him play as a senior. "His quickness and change of direc- tion ability really stood out," Shurburtt noted. "When they say hips, they are talking about what Cole Luke can do from a movement standpoint. … This is huge for the Irish." Luke's traits off of the field make kids," Belles continued. "My daugh- ter is in his age group, and I wouldn't have a problem with her dating him. He does all of the right things." It's the first player in Belles' coach- is a former Dallas Cowboy safety, will continue to be pursued by other pro- grams, but he had something to say to Irish fans about that. "I'm shutting it down," he said. "Go Irish!" One surprise in Luke's recruitment is enough. ✦ FILM ANALYSIS hips of a lock-down corner and is capable of making plays with the ball in his hands … Attacks the ball aggressively and being able to cut in and out of his backpedal allows him to get in posi- tion to disrupt the path of the ball … Able to play deep as a safety or down in the box and offers the flexibility Notre Dame likes in the secondary. Strengths Displays great leaping ability, possesses the him a fit for the program as well. "He's one of those All-American to add weight to his frame to become a more physically imposing defensive back at the col- legiate level … Can make the sure tackle, but the increased strength will allow him to play better in run support for the big hits … Will work on getting in an athletic position quicker pre-snap based on the increased pace and on turning to look for the ball more consistently on plays up the sideline. Areas To Improve Possesses the physical tools, but will need — Jason Sapp