Film Don't Lie | Elijah Paige
It’s been a busy recruiting week for Notre Dame. That could basically be said for any week since Marcus Freeman took over, but this one was especially notable because the Irish landed their 2024 quarterback and are in the process of solidifying their 2023 O-line class.
They added a third O-line commit earlier in the week in Joe Otting. They said why not make it four with Elijah Paige.
There wasn’t much buzz about Paige’s official visit beforehand, but if you listened to me discuss him on Power Hour, then you know I feel he is severely underrated. A couple of sites just moved him up to 4-star status and I have him ranked as a top-200 recruit this cycle.
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 290
Projected Position: Offensive tackle
ISD Grade: 92 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 90.3 (4-star)
What he does best:
Most guys who move like Paige don't weigh close to 300 pounds. The most difficult block for most offensive tackles to make is to reach block an edge defender who is lined up outside shade of the tackle. Paige can reach with ease because of how he moves, which is more like he’s 260.
He does a nice job of getting to the second level as a run defender and shows the ability to work well on combo blocks.
The effort level to sustain blocks is exactly what I love to see. He literally runs his man off the screen on this play and he often is finishing to the whistle even if the play has moved on.
Paige is absolutely one of the best in pass protection in this cycle because of his balance and the way he can move laterally. He is under control. I believe he can become elite in this facet of the game.
What he needs to improve:
I’d like to see more pop on initial contact from him. I do love the effort, but I wouldn’t classify him as a mauler at the point of attack.
What’s his ceiling?
If a player can start at left tackle at Notre Dame, then that means they have the potential to be a very high pick in the NFL Draft. Paige has the potential to become a starter at left tackle for the Irish so that pretty much says it all about his ceiling.
The Irish keep stacking these great prospects at tackle on top of one another and Paige is just the latest one.
Who he could be:
Former Notre Dame offensive tackle Ryan Harris
