Notre Dame To Host Athletic 2020 OL Eli Acker

Offensive linemen often take pride in doing their job despite not getting the type of praise usually reserved for the skill guys scoring touchdowns, but few linemen actually have the option to choose.

Eli Acker‍ is one who did and the 2020 Mississippi prospect made the choice to do what would help his team most.

“As a ninth-grader, he was our leading receiver for the varsity and we went all of the way to the semifinals, finished 10-3 and had a great year,” Heritage High School head coach Sean Harrison said. “He came back his sophomore and that’s when he really started to grow.”

Harrison said they “kind of knew” he was going to end up being an offensive tackle in the end, but entering the 2017 season, they left the decision up to Acker, who was about 6-4, 225 as a freshman and in the midst of a growth spurt during his sophomore year.

“He decided to stay at tight end, which was fine with us,” the coach said. “But probably about Week 4, we kind of struggled up front, and he came to me and said, ‘Look, I think I need to move to tackle. I think it could help the team.’ He’s been there ever since.

“A kid who is used to scoring touchdowns and comes to you to make that move to better his team says a lot about him.”

Acker is now checking in as a 6-foot-6, 270-pound junior.

“He’s got a frame that he could easily hold every bit of 310 and not lose any of that speed,” his coach added. “I really think when he gets into a college strength and conditioning program and meal program and all of that, he’s really going to blow up.”

Back in May, Acker committed to Ole Miss, but he’s keeping his options open.

“It’s hitting us now,” Harrison explained. “I think the Ole Miss offer was great and I think he is really pleased with it, but I also think he needs to explore his options and look at everything and make sure he’s 100 percent about his decision.”

Part of that process is taking other trips and Acker will be at Notre Dame this weekend for the Irish’s home finale against Florida State.

“The mail coming to the school got real heavy probably about two months ago,” said Harrison of the Irish. “I know he’s been talking to them. I think the commitment to Ole Miss and now that he has a pretty good bit of film out there, the interest level has really picked up.”

The coach said Acker is “really excited” about the trip.

“I think he’s really interested in Notre Dame,” Harrison added. “I think he knows the tradition and the academics and all of that, not to mention they’re ranked #3 right now, so that always helps. I think he’s interested and excited about the opportunity.”

Harrison called Acker a “great kid” away from the field.

“He’s a really strong leader,” he said. “He doesn’t get in trouble, has great grades. He’s one of those dream kids. He’s one I don’t worry about at night because he’s going to do what he’s supposed to be doing.”

In addition to Notre Dame, Acker is also hearing from schools like Purdue, Memphis and Vanderbilt among others.