New path attracts Notre Dame offensive line target Michael Carmody
Fearing they might suffer an injury, Rob Carmody often had to intervene with his roughhousing sons.
Whether it was on the basketball court or in the backyard playing football, Michael Carmody spent his childhood sparring with his older brother, Robby. Only recently did the feeling of being the younger, inferior brother dissolve.
“It has always been a mental thing, him being the bigger, stronger brother,” said Michael of Robby, a freshman guard for Notre Dame’s basketball team. “But I think that’s going to change pretty soon.”
It’s likely that dynamic already has changed. Now standing at 6-foot-6, 295 pounds, Carmody holds football offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Michigan and more. His 14.7 points and 16.2 rebounds per game helped Mars (Pa.) Area’s basketball team to a 27-2 record and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association 5A championship game appearance.
As a 2020 offensive lineman prospect, though, Carmody does not look to follow the same sport as the 6-4, 204-pound Robby. But he might follow his footsteps to Notre Dame — the Carmody family will accompany Michael on his June 6-7 unofficial visit to South Bend.
“Getting to hang around the players and looking for a family feel when I’m in the locker room,” said Carmody on what he’s looking for on the visit.
Offensive line coach Jeff Quinn extended an offer to Carmody on May 5. He had been to campus on several occasions to see his brother. Two of those visits were unofficial. The Irish hope he schedules a returning official visit — or commits — after next week.
247Sports considers the four-star recruit as its No. 12 offensive tackle and No. 94 overall player. Rivals slates Carmody No. 35 at the position. Most schools are recruiting Carmody as a left tackle, though, Quinn has not revealed his preference, Carmody said.
“Once he settles in, I think he’s the kind of guy that coach Quinn could really develop into an outstanding tackle or guard,” said Tom Lemming, a recruiting analyst for CBS Sports Network. “He’s versatile, so he could play anywhere on the line.
“He’s a big-time ballplayer with really good bloodlines, work ethic and everything else. With his frame, he will be well over 300 pounds.”
Carmody’s first year as an offensive lineman came last season. Mars Area needed a right tackle, so he switched from tight end. Pass protection provided the biggest learning curve for Carmody. However, his athleticism allowed for a smooth transition overall.
Irish offensive line commit Tosh Baker followed a similar path. The 6-8, 270-pounder started as Phoenix Pinnacle’s left tackle for the first time last year. He thought his future was with basketball before emerging as a top football recruit last season. Baker connected with Carmody this week, recruiting him to the Irish.
“Playing basketball and staying active all winter has really helped my footwork and lateral quickness,” Carmody said.
June might be Carmody’s busiest recruiting month of the year. He plans to visit Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech over the next four weeks. Texas A&M, Michigan and Ohio State are expected to be official visits. He intends to announce a commitment at the end of the month.
Carmody gained his familiarity with the Irish during Robby’s recruiting process. Robby verbally committed to Notre Dame in June of 2017 before enrolling the following summer. He underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder in December and obtained a medical redshirt.
Michael has since passed his brother in height and added 40 pounds within the last year.
“It always kind of felt like I was Robby’s little brother,” Carmody said. “Only in the past few years have I really made a name for myself. Robby has always been really good at basketball. I was always kind of in his shadow.
“These past few years, I kind of created my own path.”
