Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand has focused on a small number of offensive lineman so far in the 2018 class and he landed one of his top targets today — Maria Stein (Ohio) Marion Local tackle John Dirksen.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder selected the Irish over offers from Michigan State, Northwestern and others. Dirksen is ranked as the No. 35 player overall in Ohio.

Not a ton was known about Dirksen heading into the visit. His head coach Tim Goodwin did tell Blue & Gold that the junior was intrigued by the offer and it was a “big one” for him, but Dirksen has been very quiet publicly about Notre Dame and his recruitment in general. The junior was in South Bend this past summer for the Lineman Camp.

Notre Dame’s last big recruiting weekend (Junior Day on Feb. 11) went well with the Irish landing commitments from four of the five uncommitted players on campus that particular weekend. The staff strikes again during its next bigger weekend landing Dirksen’s commitment.

Notre Dame now has two offensive linemen in the 2018 class including Brentwood (Tenn.) three-star offensive tackle Cole Mabry. Dirksen is commitment No. 12 for the Irish.

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