2023 Ohio DE Luke Montgomery High on Notre Dame
2023 Findlay (Ohio) defensive end Luke Montgomery is a name for Notre Dame fans to keep close tabs on as his recruitment picks up.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder took a visit to Notre Dame in the fall as the Irish hosted Virginia Tech.
"It was a close game and the environment was great," Montgomery stated. "The new facilities we toured were pretty cool."
It's worth noting Montgomery has family in South Bend and it was a big deal he was able to get to Notre Dame on a visit as a recruit.
"The ones that live in South Bend are huge Notre Dame fans," laughed Montgomery. "They have season tickets. They were pretty excited and we stayed with them after the game."
Defensive line coach Mike Elston also got to spend some quality time with the Findlay star before the game as Montgomery was one of two defensive linemen in for a visit.
"We probably talked for about 30 minutes before the Virginia Tech game," Montgomery said. He was a nice guy and I like him a lot.
"He was really nice and came up and introduced himself. He's from St. Mary's, which is about 35-40 minutes away. We scrimmage them a lot. Some of my coaches from last year knew him pretty well."
Western Michigan was the first school to offer the Ohio native, but several Power Five programs have him on the radar.
Montgomery isn't overwhelmed with his recruitment and is taking it in stride.
"It's pretty cool, but you have to take it slow and steady," explained Montgomery.Montgomery. "I know it might get crazy next year, so I'm just laying back a little bit. I've been in contact with some schools lately, but nothing too serious.
"I've worked hard and things pay off. I have to keep my head down and stay motivated. I have a long way to go as I'm still a freshman."
The bright lights of Friday night didn't bother Montgomery as a freshman, as AAU basketball prepared him well for his first year on varsity.
If you know AAU basketball, you might ask how that has prepared him for big crowds as the stands are generally empty.
Well, Montgomery has played on the North Coast Blue Chips with Bronny James for the last couple of years, so he's experienced just about everything one can as a player.
"It's helped a lot," said Montgomery. "It's allowed me to stay focused with all these people watching. Friday night lights and basketball - it's just all fun to me."
When the shelter in place orders are lifted, Montgomery hopes to get back out on the road to see some local programs.
"I definitely want to get to Notre Dame, Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan State and West Virginia as of right now," stated Montgomery. "Maybe Penn State as well."
With family in South Bend and it close to Findlay, it's clear an offer from the Irish would mean a great deal to one of the best 2023 prospects in Ohio.
"It would mean a lot," Montgomery said. "It definitely would be an option for me. It's close to home and really nice. My parents are big on academics. When they showed us all the academic stuff, it was really cool."
Ohio State is also a program Montgomery would take very seriously as the Buckeyes are the home state team and have been in contact with him as well.
"It's definitely one of the top ones as well," said Montgomery. "I've been in contact with them pretty much every other week. I have a lot of family down there too. My aunt lives there. I'm from Columbus and I was born there."