Irish Pick Up DE Blake Lueders

Notre Dame added another defensive end to pair with five star commitment Chris Martin on Friday when instate standout Blake Lueders committed to the Irish.  The four star prospect  became the seventh commitment in the Class of 2010 and the second commitment of the week along with quarterback commitment Andrew Hendrix.

Lueders (6’5″, 250, 4.8) plays linebacker for Zionsville Community HS, but projects to defensive end on the college level and is an excellent compliment to Chris Martin.  Lueders will most likely fill the role of the bigger, strong side defensive end in the Irish defense since he has the frame to bulk up some from his current weight of 250 lbs.

Lueders told Rivals.com that he picked Notre Dame because of the combination of football and academics.

"I thought it was the best combination of academics and football in the country," Lueders said. "I just love the tradition. The coaches are great. The players are great. Everything."

Lueders also told Irish Sports Daily that new defensive line coach was pretty excited to hear of his commitment.

“You know the energy he has,” Lueders said. “He exploded with enthusiasm, and started going crazy. He said I made his night and went on and on.”

ESPN’s scouting report of Lueders had this to say about his potential and skills.

The athleticism he shows for his size should translate well to the end position, but there will be some adjustment. He moves well and has the lateral ability to stretch plays and come across the ball and squeeze down. He displays a physical nature in taking on blocks from the linebacker spot. Flashes the ability to generate power from his lower body on contact and use his hands to engage and separate from the blocker. He will need to be more consistent though in using his hands and also get accustomed to more quickly engaging blockers on a consistent basis. He has a good motor and is a good wrap-up tackler. An area Lueders will need to work on and adjust is his pass rushing from the end position. He displays the raw tools to be a productive rusher as he can attack half-a-man and work around blockers, but he will need to learn to use his weapons.

This was a great pickup for the Irish.  Defensive end is a high priority position in recruiting this year and the Irish now have a five star and four star defensive end in the fold while the calendar still says June.  If Notre Dame can add a couple top notch tackles to go with Lueders and Martin, this year’s defensive line class will be just what the doctor ordered.