Film Study: Notre Dame OL commit Josh Lugg
OL Josh Lugg, 6-6, 288; Wexford (Pa.) North Allegheny.
The numbers: Lugg helped pave the way for a North Allegheny offense that averaged 204.5 yards and 28.2 points per game as a sophomore. The Tigers (8-3) ended their season with a loss in the WPIAL Class AAAA quarterfinals.
The rankings: Rivals – Four stars, No. 21 offensive tackle. 247Sports – Four stars, No. 29 offensive tackle.
FILM BREAKDOWN
First impression: Lugg is an aggressive run blocker who works his way to the second level of the defense. He has good athleticism and shows an understanding of proper body position. Lugg's highlights include only one play in pass protection.
Strengths: Lugg is an athletic lineman who keeps his feet running to finish blocks. He moves defenders consistently and creates running lanes for his teammates. Playing as a blocking tight end on many snaps, Lugg works well on double-team blocks and makes his way to linebackers or defensive backs. He is agile enough to react to the quick movements of players on the second level. His best blocks often come against linemen not directly in front of him but down the line in either direction.
He did what? (2:08) Lugg blocks down the line of scrimmage to the defensive tackle and clobbers him. His quickness allows the pulling linemen to his right to get around him unscathed … (2:40) Lugg controls the edge by driving his defender more than five yards into the end zone. Lugg keeps his feet moving and his hands locked on the defensive lineman to prevent him from slipping off the block … (3:31) After his work is done at the line of scrimmage, Lugg takes aim at a defensive back well ahead of the play and destroys the smaller player. It was likely the last time the cornerback didn’t know where Lugg was during the play.
Competition level: Lugg played against several bad football teams in his sophomore season. North Allegheny often had the upper hand in size and talent. For Lugg, few defenders could match his combination of strength and athleticism. But the Tigers did play against some of the top competition in the largest classification in the state. Their three losses came to teams in the Top 20 in the state according to MaxPreps: Penn-Trafford (No. 17), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (No. 6) and Pine-Richland (No. 3). Central Catholic includes Irish cornerback target Damar Hamlin and Pittsburgh defensive tackle commit Rashad Wheeler.
Left to prove: The lack of highlights of Lugg pass blocking is concerning. His team attempted 173 passes last season, so it can’t be for a lack of opportunity. So proving he can withstand a pass rush is at the top of the list for Lugg. His frame and quickness should allow for him to be comfortable in a pass set. At times when run blocking, Lugg leans too much on a defender by bending at his waist rather than his knees. Stronger defenders will be able to use that against him. But Lugg’s overall technique is in very good shape for a sophomore.
tjames@ndinsider.com | 574-235-6214 | Twitter: @TJamesNDI
