Offensive lineman Sullivan Absher officially committed to Notre Dame on National Signing Day. The second highest ranked offensive lineman in Notre Dame’s recruiting class, Rivals gave Sullivan Absher a ranking of 5.8. This means he could be drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft and is a possible All-American candidate. The Belmont, North Carolina native ranks as the 22nd-best offensive lineman and 7th-best recruit coming out of North Carolina for the Class of 2023.
After receiving offers from Clemson, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee and NC State, Absher verbally committed to Notre Dame on May 13, 2022. The 6'7, 285-pound lineman joins Charles Jagusah (ranked 5.9 by Rivals) and interior lineman recruits Joe Otting, Sam Pendleton and Christopher Terek. He and Pendeleton are the only two recruits from North Carolina. The Irish secured both commitments over Clemson. Absher visited both Clemson and NC State three times.
There are a large number of returning lineman from this year’s team, including three starters. Jagusah and Absher could have a chance of getting some playing time this year if they impress over the summer at camp. Absher’s high school, South Point, rarely passed so it will be interesting to see how he transitions to Notre Dame’s varied offensive schemes. Absher also plays basketball and baseball for his high school.
Rivals’ Notre Dame recruiting analyst Kyle Kelly described Absher as the “prototypical right tackle [and] just a great athlete.” He could be the successor to current right tackle Absher is known for not just being a great run blocker, but also a fast one. He is sure to become a favorite among the running backs as a result. His size and speed should allow him to stand out on the field and provide extra time to whoever is taking snaps for Notre Dame next year.
Absher will continue on South Point’s football history. Koren Robinson, drafted ninth overall in 2001 by the Seahawks and a 2005 Pro-Bowler, and Tanner Muse, a two-time national champion and Raiders' draft pick, both attended South Point.
Absher looks to continue the Irish’s recent trend of sending offensive linemen into the early round of the NFL. Four Irish offensive linemen earned top-two-round draft selections since 2018.
Contact Annika Herko at aherko@nd.edu
