Early Enrollee Zeke Correll Impressed With Irish Physicality

2019 Anderson (Ohio) offensive lineman Zeke Correll‍ had been to Notre Dame plenty of times, but Saturday was different for the Irish commit. 

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder was able to witness Notre Dame blow out Stanford and play a complete game on Saturday night.

“It was awesome,” Correll told Irish Sports Daily. “I missed the Michigan game because I had a game pushed back due to weather. I heard it was as loud as that game. Let me tell you, those guys played amazing and to their potential. They played four quarters of good football. It was awesome to watch.” 

Correll, who is known for his physical play, was impressed with how much physicality the Irish brought on to the field. 

“The biggest thing that led to the victory was the physicality they brought every single play,” stated Correll. “There wasn’t a bad quarter. They played Notre Dame Football all four quarters, and it was awesome to witness.

“It really showed me the work they put in but also the coaching Coach (Jeff) Quinn has brought to the team. It shows by the record of 5-0. I’m excited to step into that and learn from those guys as well as Coach Quinn.” 

It’s Quinn’s first year as the offensive line coach at Notre Dame, so there were questions heading into 2018 as he looked to keep the production of Harry Hiestand, but those questions have been answered to this point. 

“The man obviously knows what he’s doing,” explained Correll. “It’s fun watching the offensive line play as well as the offensive scheme with Coach Long. It’s exciting for me because I get to step into this team and learn from experience.” 

Quinn made sure to give Correll time throughout the day and admitted their conversations are about the future rather than recruiting. 

“I got to talk to him before and after the game,” Correll said. “It’s exciting. Our relationship is very, very strong. I’ve met the guy and been around him for a good while at this point. 

“His message to me is to focus on my team, do the best I can with my team to have a great season and when I get there in January, it’s time to work. He’s already working on his plan for me and my future.”

The four-star prospect also had the chance to meet some of the 2019 commits for the first team, including fellow offensive line commit Andrew Kristofic‍.

“It was my first time meeting him,” said Correll. “I like him a lot. I loved all the commits in the 2019 class. I could tell I’m going to have great relationships with all of them and will love playing next to them. It’s a big blessing to know I’m going to a school where I get along with the guys, and they are a lot like I am.”