On Wednesday morning, Topeka, Kansas product Joe Otting made his June commitment to Notre Dame official, signing a National Letter of Intent. Otting verbally committed earlier this summer, choosing the Irish over heavy interest from Kansas State and Iowa, among others. Per Rivals, Otting ranks as the 17th-best prospect in Notre Dame’s fourth-ranked 2023 recruiting class.
Otting receives a 5.8 recruiting rating on Rivals, on the lower end of the “All-American Candidate” section on the Rivals recruiting grade scale. That grade goes to potential day two NFL Draft selections, according to Rivals. Otting also ranks as the 20th-highest offensive guard by the service.
Though Otting doesn’t possess the prototypical domineering frame of a lineman, he still has plenty of size. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 270 pounds. Recruited as a guard, it’s possible Otting ends up at center for the Irish thanks to his quickness and ability to climb up the field when making blocks. Rivals Notre Dame recruiting analyst Kyle Kelly noted that Otting was among a crew of guards and other interior linemen that could make an impact in South Bend after working with strength coach Matt Balis. “Sam Pendleton, Chris Terek and Joe Otting are going to turn into really solid interior offensive linemen. There’s a lot to look forward to with those guys.”
Notre Dame’s line play this season has been excellent under offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. Hiestand’s pedigree was undoubtedly a factor that helped lock in Otting’s commitment to the Irish. Hiestand previously oversaw first-round selections Quentin Nelson and Mike McGlinchey in his first stint with Notre Dame. Despite some initial shakiness in 2022, the Irish offensive line stabilized into one of the best in the country. Perhaps providing the mold for Otting’s potential role for Notre Dame down the line was Zeke Correll. The Irish recruited Correll as a guard before switching him to center with great success in 2022.
Contact J.J. Post at jpost2@nd.edu
