2025 OL Jake Cook Impressed by Notre Dame & Harry Hiestand

2025 Westerville North (Ohio) offensive lineman Jake Cook‍ has been a presence on the spring camp circuit, so it wasn’t a shock to see him make the drive to Notre Dame for Wednesday’s camp. 

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder enjoyed the competition and the tour given to him by Irish assistant Chris Watt. 

"It was awesome,” Cook told ISD. “After camp, Coach Watt took me and my dad around on a campus tour, so I got to see the campus again. I fell in love with it. It was a great experience.

"The new weight room, the chapel, and Touchdown Jesus were the coolest parts."

Cook was also impressed with Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and his approach to how he wants his guys to play. 

"I really like Coach Hiestand's coaching style,” stated Cook. “He focuses on a lot of run through you type of blocking, so I enjoyed his coaching style." 

Hiestand made time to speak to Cook and it meant a great deal to the Central Ohio native. 

"He told me to stay in the weight room and he wanted to see another year of film from me,” explained Cook. “He expressed how much he likes me, so I'll definitely be back in the future." 

And Cook will definitely be taking some of Hiestand’s lessons back to Ohio and it starts with finishing his opponents. 

"Coach Hiestand has a rule of driving through 10 yards on a run block, so I'm definitely going to try and work on that more,” Cook stated. “I want to lock on to someone and finish them 10-20 yards down the field." 

Cook will continue a busy schedule as he’ll head east this weekend for a couple of camps before finishing the month around his home state. 

"I'm going to be at Penn State on June 4th for their White Out camp and Pitt on June 5th,” said Cook. “I will be at Ohio State twice and then Cincinnati." 

Offers: Akron, Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, UMass and Miami (OH)

Freshman Highlights

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Approach Run Short Sleeve Hoodie