FLASHBACK INTEL: Quinn Keeps Notre Dame In It With Top 2019 OL Targets

(This story was originally published on Feb. 12th. Both Carroll and Olmstead have since committed to Notre Dame)

He might not have been able to win the most important race in the Class of 2018, the chase for Tampa offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere, but new Notre Dame offensive line coach Jeff Quinn certainly hit the ground running when he was hired by Brian Kelly last month.

Quinn was able to land California offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson with only a few weeks to convince him, but his best work since being officially hired may have come with the groundwork he’s laid with the Irish’s top 2019 offensive line targets.

We spoke with two of them – New Jersey's John Olmstead‍ and Minnesota’s Quinn Carroll‍, two national prospects who are seriously considering Notre Dame.

“I’ve been texting him a lot and calling him,” said Olmstead.

“We’re building our relationship. He’s a cool guy. He’s a great guy. He’s really upbeat. He knows what he’s doing. He was Coach (Brian) Kelly’s offensive line coach a while ago too. I’m really excited to build a relationship with him. He should be a great coach if I go there.”

Carroll had the chance to get to know Quinn a little even before he was hired as offensive line coach.

“I developed a little bit of a relationship with him because the two times I visited, he was there and we got to chat a little bit,” said Carroll. “We’ve talked over the phone and I’ve seen him. We’re still developing that relationship, but I like him a lot.”

Olmstead was initially being recruited by Quinn’s predecessor, Harry Hiestand, but said Hiestand’s departure doesn’t impact the way he views Notre Dame much at all.

Carroll agreed.

“It doesn’t change anything,” the Minnesota native said. “I will miss him. He was a great guy and I loved being recruited by him. I’m just excited for the future of Notre Dame with Coach Quinn and I’m excited for Coach Hiestand for his future with the Bears. It was a draw to a lot of recruits, but now that he’s gone, I don’t think it will draw recruits away.”

While Olmstead and Quinn feel comfortable with Quinn’s personality and approach, both are interested in learning more about his coaching style.

“I know from hearing from Coach Kelly that he’s a phenomenal coach and that they wouldn’t hire anybody who wouldn’t live up to the standards Notre Dame has at offensive line,” said Carroll. “I trust the program and I trust Coach Kelly to make the right choice for him as offensive line coach.

“I’m just excited to see what Coach Quinn has to offer.”