Like many kids, Eamon McOsker grew up a Notre Dame fan. McOsker frequently visited campus and his brother attends the school. His father worked for the University. His whole life, Eamon has been surrounded by the aura of Touchdown Jesus, stories of the Grotto and Notre Dame football.
In his senior year of high school, it seemed like Eamon was ready to abandon those dreams. Having moved to Los Angeles and attending Loyola High School, Notre Dame seemed to have been a distant memory. Eamon had moved so far past the University he grew up dreaming about, that he committed to play football at UPenn. Obviously very bright in the classroom, McOsker has taken a risk.
Faced with choosing between the comfortable prospect of an Ivy League education and a guaranteed position on the football team, or paying to attend a school and try to walk on to possibly the most iconic football program in the country, McOsker chose the latter- a shocking move. He has told reporters that the opportunity to join the Irish football team was, "too good to pass up," citing the dream as something he has longed for since he was young.
So who is this brilliant risk-taker you ask? Why, he is the next Rudy Reuttiger of course. You might call him Rudy 2.0, bigger, stronger, faster and smarter than our favorite ND movie star. Though you will come to know McOsker's name from more than just one heartwarming play. This 6'2" 193 pound of beast will be a game-changer in the Irish secondary for years to come.
After reviewing his senior highlight tape, I came away dumbfounded that he was not a touted prospect in the recruiting cycle. How is it that the Serra League's defensive player of the year was not heavily recruited. This league has produced football greats, including former 5-star prospect and ex Irish quarterback, Dayne Crist and McOsker completely dominated the competition.
McOsker demonstrates the kind of passion you would expect from team captain. In one instance on his highlight reel, he gets under the rushers pads and uses his refined stance to gain momentum and pushes the runner back for a loss, finishing the tackle with textbook form. He showed physicality and what I really enjoyed is rather than shying away from contact, he initiates it. By his excellent form on tackles and the way he uses teammates as blockers, its clear that this man has a great Football IQ.
On the very first play of the tape, Eamon shows his nose for the ball as he scoops up a fumble a takes it back for a score. Over the course of his tape he made at least one eye-popping tackle in open space that saved what surely would have gone for a touchdown. His highlight reel shows just how athletic he is, showing a good ability to jump and great hands.
As if this weren't enough, McOsker might also be able to lend himself to another position of need for the Irish- wide receiver. He makes a few good catches and while he doesn't appear to be a burner, he has serviceable speed. He also showed his ability to quickly readjust and hip fluidity- both of which would be utilized on either side of the ball.
If I had to give some criticism of him, I would say Eamon gave away where he was going pre-snap by the way he positioned his feet. However this was a brief tape and a handful of plays through six games definitely is not a substitute for watching his full season. Comparing his tape to that of other ND recruits, I may go as far as to say that while he may not have the raw talent of others, he may be more polished.
I predict big things from him. As a preferred walk on, he may have a harder path to pave, but in my opinion he could have just as much of an impact as a scholarship player. The name Eamon McOsker is not one you'll forget anytime soon.
Eamon is blue and gold, through and through. Maybe he'll get his own Rudy-style movie someday.
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