Notre Dame Visit Impresses Talented Pair of 2018 Offensive Lineman

There was plenty of offensive line talent on hand to witness Notre Dame’s 39-10 victory over Nevada Saturday in the program's home opener.

Offensive live prospects on visits for the game included 2018 four-star linemen Jackson Carman from Fairfield, Ohio and Groton (Mass.) Lawrence Academy standout Finn Dirstine.

Carman, the No. 8 offensive tackle in the class of 2018, has said before that his interest in Notre Dame was “medium-to-high” but his visit to South Bend may have changed that.

Following the visit, Carman said he had an “awesome” time, and is going to try and make it back this Saturday, when the Irish host Michigan State.

Clearly, the visit made a big impression on Carman, otherwise he most likely wouldn’t be taking consecutive visits in back-to-back weeks. Notre Dame needed that kind of visit with Carman, who many feel is a strong lean to Ohio State.

Dirstine, the No. 16 tackle in the class of 2018, said he was impressed with the game day feel in South Bend.

“I think I'd look good in one of those gold helmets,” Dirstine said. “I really enjoyed my time at Notre Dame. Incredible atmosphere in the stadium.”

Dirstine does not yet hold an offer from Notre Dame, but the coaches apparently told him they are in the middle of evaluating his film from early in his junior season.

Notre Dame has just three offers out to members of the 2018 line class, but Irish line coach Harry Hiestand is already in the evaluation process for the class. It will be a big year for Notre Dame up front, as the Irish will look to combine a deep and talented 2017 line haul with a similar group in 2018.

"Notre Dame's elite 2013 line haul is going to be gone by the time the 2018 class arrives, and standout 2014 lineman Quenton Nelson will also likely be gone," said Blue & Gold Illustrated football analyst Bryan Driskell. "The classes since have had talent, but they have come up short in numbers each year, especially the two-man class from 2015."

Between the 2015 and 2016, Notre Dame signed three Rivals250 offensive linemen, but just five total players were inked in those classes. While the talent level remains high, the depth is troublesome moving forward.

Identifying and landing top flight players in the 2018 line class is important, which makes this past weekend's visits vitally important.