2023 DE Luke Montgomery Impressed by Notre Dame, Brian Kelly

Notre Dame made a significant effort last Wednesday with the 2023 recruiting class during its Pot of Gold day. Several offers went out and top prospects called in to speak with the staff, including Brian Kelly. 

One of the first prospects to get on the phone with Kelly was 2023 Findlay (Ohio) defensive lineman Luke Montgomery‍, who got his offer from the Irish on February 1st. 

"It was awesome," Montgomery told ISD. "I was talking to Coach Kelly and Coach (Mike) Elston. It was a great call and it great to talk with them. I love them a lot and I can't wait to get back to Notre Dame." 

The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder had heard Notre Dame had a slower process than some schools, so Kelly jumping on the phone left quite the impression. 

"It was my first time talking with Coach Kelly and it was really cool," stated Montgomery. "That doesn't usually happen and it's a blessing. I didn't really expect it this early. I know Notre Dame comes late in the game usually and that's how they roll, but it's crazy to speak with Coach Kelly already."

Montgomery and Elston's relationship is also getting stronger by the week. Elston has several ties to Montgomery and it has allowed the two to connect outside of football. 

"It's phenomenal," Montgomery said of his relationship with Elston. "We talk every week. I love him a lot. He's obviously from this area in Ohio and he knows this area pretty well. It's always great to talk with him." 

When Notre Dame offered Montgomery last month, it was only a matter of time before he became a national prospect and it's officially happened. 

Since receiving the offer from Notre Dame, the Ohio native has received offers from Florida State, LSU, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma and South Carolina. 

"It's cool and a blessing," explained Montgomery. "It's pretty crazy because I didn't expect it this early. I'm going to keep rolling and grinding from here. As of now, I'm worried about my football team and keeping them on track. Hopefully, we can win our league and go to State." 

Montgomery also hopes the NCAA opens up visits to prospects as he plans to make a ton of visits in June to get a feel for the schools that have offered. 

"I'm hoping to get to Notre Dame," said Montgomery. "We're pretty much all over the place. This upcoming June is going to be a heck of a recruiting time if it opens up. I want to visit Northwestern, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and maybe Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and Oklahoma."