Eichenberg Looking To Carry On Tradition At Left Tackle

As spring practice kicked off, the hot topic was the left tackle position. Mike McGlinchey is off to the NFL, and many had junior Liam Eichenberg penciled in to take over the role. 

The first day of spring practice, the Irish rolled out sophomore Robert Hainsey at left tackle, but Eichenberg has taken over the spot the last half of the spring. 

“I want to make everyone proud,” Eichenberg stated. “I want to carry on the tradition of Mike McGlinchey and Zack Martin. I want to do my job and improve every day.”

Eichenberg’s focus has been self-improvement and head coach Brian Kelly has seen the 6-foot-6, 303-pounder’s confidence grow each practice. 

“It’s been more mental than anything else,” Kelly said of Eichenberg’s progression. “His ability to settle down – he wasn’t playing with the confidence he needed to. Emotionally he’s in his comfort zone. He would jump offsides easily and miss an assignment. I think that’s maturity and he knows it’s his time.”

The Cleveland native has seen success by taking each practice one day at time, but also realizing he’s in a great position. 

“I’m going to keep improving every day,” Eichenberg said. “I’m working on my technique and my demeanor. I’m just attacking every day.

“If I have a rough day, I get back to the basics. I realize I’m at Notre Dame playing left tackle. It’s a pretty good life.” 

Left tackle may sound complicated at times, but Eichenberg knows his job comes down to the absolute basics. 

“In the run game, I need to secure the defensive line,” said Eichenberg. “In the passing game, I can’t get beat. It’s a very important position. I have to protect Brandon (Wimbush) and Ian (Book). I’m looking forward to it. I’m confident in it.” 

When it comes to the offensive line as a whole, Eichenberg might not have the experience the other four players have, but it’s about playing as one and learning each day from some of the best linemen in the country. 

“To do what we did last year, we need to play as a unit,” explained Eichenberg. “It’s not going to be about one or two guys this year. Sam Mustipher and Alex Bars are coming back for their fifth year and are some of the best offensive linemen I’ve been around.

“They’re consistent and great players. It’s about five guys playing together and seeing the game through one set of eyes.” 

Offensive line coach Jeff Quinn moved Alex Bars from right guard to left guard a few weeks ago to help take some of the load off of Eichenberg, and it has paid off. 

“It’s slowed the game down for me,” Eichenberg said of the move. “Having him out there, it allows me to attack and be confident because I don’t the game experience he does. He’s able to call out some calls, and it helps me a lot. 

“I see it as extremely beneficial for me.” 

As for Quinn, Eichenberg has embraced the message and is following Quinn’s lead. 

“It’s a great honor,” said Eichenberg of being coached by Quinn. "He’s a phenomenal offensive line coach. He preaches and coaches the same way. Their coaching styles are different, but at the end of the day, he wants us to be the best offensive line in the country. He wants us to be the best football player and man we can be.”