Name to Know | 2023 Ohio DE Luke Montgomery

DL Luke Montgomery‍  

Ranking
ISD: N/A
Composite: N/A

Vitals 
6’5, 265
Findlay (Findlay, Ohio) 

Offers 
Cincinnati, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Toledo, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Western Michigan

The Skinny 
2023 Ohio defensive end Brenan Vernon‍ has most of the headlines, but Luke Montgomery‍ is not far behind as the Findlay native is set to blow up sooner than later. I’ve written about Montgomery before and he took a big step forward this fall, so it’s officially time to put him on offer watch. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder was a first-team All-Conference and All-District selection, while he was also second-team All-Ohio, which isn’t bad for a sophomore. 

The first thing you notice when you turn on Montgomery’s film is the athletic ability for a prospect his size. He can get to the football with power or speed, which is a combo that’s rare for a younger player. Montgomery has a basketball background and it shows on the football field. In fact, some programs are projecting him on the offensive line due to his athletic ability and length.

Another intriguing aspect about Montgomery is he’s only going to get bigger. He’s transformed his body over the last year and has really started to lean out while adding good weight. This is a kid who will be able to stay light on his feet when he adds more weight in college. 

Why Notre Dame Should Offer 
Montgomery visited Notre Dame last fall and was able to talk to Mike Elston prior to the Virginia Tech game. Elston is from the area, so finding out background on Montgomery isn’t going to be an issue there. 

Notre Dame needs to get bigger on the defensive line and it’s vital the Irish get in on local players like Montgomery early. Ohio State hasn’t offered, but they could at any point, but don’t think he’s a lock to the Buckeyes. Montgomery has family in South Bend who are season ticket holders and the offer from Notre Dame is one he has circled on his list. 

Montgomery is a perfect for Notre Dame off the field as he’s a high character kid, but one who is also extremely mature for his age. He’s also a kid who has been under the brightest of lights from a very early age with his AAU basketball team, so the adjustment to big-time college football won’t be a shock to him and might even be less pressure than on the hardwood. 

ISD’s Jamie Uyeyama 
”Montgomery is a bit raw as a defensive lineman, but he’s already a big man with a massive frame. He has good twitch and looks like he can carry close to 300 pounds when he gets to the college level. Though he plays multiple positions, his future is at 3-technique as a one-gap penetrator. He has scary potential once he focuses solely on the defensive line and has the traits to develop into an impact pass rusher.”

Sophomore Highlights