Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame Football: 2017 Freshman Breakdown - Josh Lugg

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:47 p.m. ET

Fansided, Kevin Sinclair/FanSided via Slap the Sign

Josh Lugg is considered by some as Notre Dame’s best recruit in the class.

Josh Lugg – OL – 6’7, 300 lbs. – Wexford, PA – North Allegheny High School

Josh Lugg was one of the better offensive tackles in the country in 2017. Early on in his national recruitment, he was considered a dominant run blocker but there was questions about his ability in pass blocking.

Those doubts were wiped out when Lugg, the #84 overall recruit per 247 Sports, dominated pass rushers at the Army All-American camp he attended with his new teammate, Cole Kmet.

Lugg committed early on to Notre Dame and shut down his recruitment. He truly loves the University and everything that comes along with being a student-athlete in South Bend.

Lugg received offers from Alabama, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, Wisconsin and many more.

Josh Lugg is IRISH.

We are excited to add another O-lineman to our tradition of dominance up front.

???? https://t.co/KiXEeZoO7G #IRISHEL17E pic.twitter.com/Ps8ZbhMib7

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) February 1, 2017

Click here to watch Josh Lugg’s Hudl highlight film

Lugg proves himself as a large, surprisingly light on his feet, dominant run blocker in his film. His pass blocking isn’t put on display often due to the run-heavy offense at North Allegheny.

He has great bend and plays with solid pad level. He shows great technique which he delivers with a punishing nature. His length, height and style suggest that he will be a great left tackle.

Similar to Mike McGlinchey, when Lugg squares up on a defender and makes contact, it’s over. He also shows good pulling ability and doesn’t get caught standing around when he doesn’t have a direct assignment. He gets after somebody. Lugg clearly loves to hit.

Projection

Notre Dame has done such a great job recruiting elite offensive lineman, Lugg will redshirt this year and continue to grow into his frame. As I mentioned, he’s currently only 17 years-old.

In 2018, I’m predicting that Liam Eichenberg will take over for McGlinchey and Lugg will become the starting right tackle. When Eichenberg leaves for the NFL, Lugg will then move to left tackle.

Harry Heistand will likely transform the western Pennsylvania product into another great LT at Notre Dame. His ceiling is extremely high. In my opinion, he’s as sure of a thing as any recruit in the 2017 class.

He has the sheer size, strength, intelligence and fierce competitiveness to become a very effective player for The Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Click here for Josh Lugg’s profile on 247 Sports

Click here for Josh Lugg’s profile on Rivals