Notre Dame Keeping Tabs On 2019 Ohio LB Luke Fulton

Athleticism and speed are two things Notre Dame has been looking for as the staff builds the 2019 linebacker board. 2019 Cardinal Mooney (Ohio) linebacker Luke Fulton‍ could be a name to watch as defensive coordinator Clark Lea has made contact with the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder.

“He reached out to me and wants me to come to a spring practice for an unofficial visit,” Fulton told Irish Sports Daily. “It was great to hear from him.”  

Cardinal Mooney might sound familiar as Notre Dame has recruited the Youngstown based program with success as Kyle and Dan McCarthy chose the Irish along with current walk-on, Patrick Pelini.

“One of my former teammates, Pat, plays at Notre Dame right now,” stated Fulton. “He keeps me in the loop and lets me know how they’re doing and what they’re up too. It’s cool.” 

Things have come fast at Fulton in 2018. The Ohio native’s offer list has grown quickly as programs like Boston College, Cal, Cincinnati, Dartmouth, Duke, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, Temple and West Virginia have extended offers.

“It’s been really cool and a lot to take in too,” Fulton said of his offer spree. “I went from having four offers before New Year’s to having 27 offers now. I’ve always dreamed and worked to be in this position, so the hard work is paying off.

“I hear from a lot of them. Boston College, Cal, Cincinnati, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan State and Nebraska are all talking to me in-depth right now.” 

The in-state Buckeyes have been recruiting Fulton, but much like the Irish, Ohio State has yet to offer. An offer from either program would be huge for Fulton, and he plans to get to both schools in the coming weeks.  

“Ohio State has been recruiting me heavily,” said Fulton. “I hear from two or three people about once a week. Ohio State is a school I’m interested in, but they haven’t offered me yet. 

“I’m looking at the schools and making an effort to get to these schools that have shown tons of interest and offered. I will be making trips to Notre Dame and Ohio State. I don’t have any dates set, but I might be going to Notre Dame next weekend. I’m going to talk with Coach Lea and find a good time to come visit.” 

The Youngstown area is known for its blue-collar work ethic, and Fulton prides his style of play after the area where he has grown up.  

“I love to play smashmouth football, and it’s what my high school prides itself on,” explained Fulton. “There will be times we will play a team we know we can physically dominate, and we’ll get into the Stack-I to push them down the field.” 

While he is a physical player, Fulton can also play in space and believes his style of play can fit into any defense. 

“I’m open to anything,” Fulton stated. “I think I can take my style of play and implement it to help whoever is recruiting me.” 

“I’m an aggressive player, and I looked for the contact. I try to be an enforcer. I really try to punish people when I hit them. I believe I have the speed to play sideline to sideline and the athleticism to cover receivers.”

As he heads into his senior year, Fulton wants to make a deep run in the State Playoffs after getting knocked out in the second round in the fall. Fulton knows it starts with him and he’s focused on bettering himself to lead his team.

“I’m headed into my senior year, and it’s the last chance to win a State Championship,” Fulton said. “I really want to work on being a better leader and being able to step up to show the younger kids how to do everything and guide them down the right path.”