Former Notre Dame OL Liam Eichenberg Is The Model Of Consistency
Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg has played at a high level for three years and has always spoken his mind.
The 6-foot-6, 302-pounder has been knocked by draft experts for a lack of athleticism, but Eichenberg disagrees as he's played some of the best edge rushers in the country over the last few years.
"I think if you turn on my tape, I blocked everyone I played against pretty well," Eichenberg stated. "I think people who say that don't really understand football very well and definitely did not watch my tape. I think my tape speaks for itself based on my athleticism and my ability to play at the next level.
"I've gone up against some of the best pass rushers that have come out. Clelin Ferrell from Clemson. Rashon Gary, Chase Winovich, Brian Burns and this past year, I think my tape speaks for itself."
The tape does speak for itself. Eichenberg played 834 snaps in 2020 and did not give up a sack. In fact, he only allowed two hurries and two QB hits the entire season.
Oh, Eichenberg also didn't give up a sack in 2019 (496 snaps). One would need to go all the way back to week five of 2018 (Stanford) to find the last sack Eichenberg gave up.
The Cleveland (Ohio) native is the model of consistency, as Eichenberg gave up three sacks in 1,480 career snaps.
"The biggest selling point for me is I think I'm consistent," explained Eichenberg. "I think I'm a guy you can plug in and play right now. I'm not a guy that needs a lot of development. I think I've been coached well and I use my technique and fundamentals well.
"A lot of people knock me for athleticism, but I'm not running a route or anything, so I guess it's different. I think I'm a guy who can go in there, get to the NFL and play right away."
Eichenberg put in the work over his five years at Notre Dame, but time in the film room is something he takes great pride in as it has given him an advantage.
"I think it all starts with your film study. I don't think you'll be able to see that if you don't watch film," stated Eichenberg. "For me, I get up to the line and I look at the line of scrimmage. Who is down based on their technique, which hand, which foot is back? This was my fifth-year playing and you kind of pick up on things as you become older and play more.
"The amount of weight on their hand, where their body weight is leaning. Then it's about snapping that defensive end across my face, so the guard doesn't get blown up. It's important to me that my guards don't get drilled in the side. At the end of the day, it takes five of us to block and for us to be successful on the offensive line."
Eichenberg also credits the culture in the offensive line room for his development and he hopes it continues as he leaves the program.
"I would say it's definitely the culture in the offensive line room that's been instilled by the former players and coaches that have come through here," Eichenberg said of why Notre Dame's offensive line is successful.
"We've had a lot of great guys come through here such as Zack Martin, Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, Mike McGlinchey - all those guys you know. I think it's the standard they've held themselves to and then we continue to do. It has to do with culture. Without good culture, you can't win."