Transfer Maryland O-lineman Mason Lunsford determines visit to Notre Dame

On the same day that Notre Dame made its choice to succeed recently retired offensive line coach Harry Histand, the Irish secured plans to check out adding potential talent to the center pool, soon to be headed by Joe Rudolph.

Maryland grad transfer Mason LunsfordThe 2-year-old, who started at offensive guard for the Terrapins, announced Monday via Twitter that he’ll be making an official check-in visit to the Irish this weekend.

Nine days after the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Olney (Md.) Good Counsel product entered the NCAA transfer gate, he had already racked up eight offers, including one from LSU. Lunsford was a three-star prospect coming out of high school with five reported offers.

A good counselor is the same school that sent Corner Back Cam Hart and the center Sam Mustifer for Notre Dame in recent years. In fact, both Hart and Lunsford were in the recruiting class of 2019.

Since it’s a grad transfer, Lunsford didn’t have to wait until the May 1-15 window to get in the gate. Wherever he lands, he will have two years of eligibility. He’ll be affiliated in June if he ends up with the Irish.

Rudolph is an All-American junior left tackle Joe Alt and one with a similar career path in junior corrective intervention Blake Fisher. crayfish senior Zeke Correll He is the third starting returner, the incumbent at the position. The guard posts are wide open.

Pro Football Focus gave Lunsford a pass blocking score of 79.8 and a blocking run score of 62.1 in his game last season. Notre Dame 2022 starts left guard Garrett Patterson, who left the program this offseason for the NFL, earned 73.4 and 70.3 grades, respectively, last season. Right guard start Josh LogueThose who did not return received 65.3 and 71.7 scores, respectively.

A student in his second year of study Billy Shroothnewbie Rocco Spindler And a great graduate Andrew Krestovich They are all expected to vie for guard vacancies this spring, as are some backup tackles.

Notre Dame has so far added five scholarship transfers and two direct transfers—already a record—this offseason. quarterback Sam Hartmandefensive end Javonte Jean-BaptisteSafety/nickel Thomas Harper and a wide receiver Caleb Smith (The eldest) are already on campus taking classes and going through winter training.

They are all expected to participate in spring training, which begins March 22 and concludes with the Blue-Gold game on April 22. Scholarship kicker Spencer Shaderwalking on the gambler Ben Karim and a walk on defensive end/linebacker Cole Opry You will register in June.