Notre Dame Offensive Line Transfer John Montelus Picks Virginia

Soon-to-be University of Notre Dame graduate John Montelus has one more season of eligibility remaining on the football field. The 6’4″, 300-pound offensive lineman has announced he will spend next season in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia.

“I want to thank all of the programs that offered me the opportunity to further myself athletically and academically. However, I’ve decided that I will be obtaining my masters and continuing to play football from the University of Virginia. #GoHoos” – Montelus wrote on his Instagram account.

A heralded offensive tackle out of Everett High School in Massachusetts, Montelus was a U.S. Army All-American and rated the no. 51 overall prospect in his class by Scout.com. Rivals.com rated Montelus as the no. 74 overall recruit in his class.

Despite the high accolades coming out of high school, Montelus never made a major impact in South Bend. His first college action came as a redshirt freshman in 2014, during Notre Dame’s 31-0 home win over Michigan. He would play in only five more games in his career with the Irish, playing primarily as an offensive guard before moving to the defensive line prior to the 2015 Fiesta Bowl matchup with Ohio State. Montelus played in only two games this season as a redshirt junior.

Virginia, a program in dire need of offensive line depth and talent, certainly hopes Montelus can realize the potential he flashed at Everett. The opportunity is certainly there for him to be an impact player, as the Cavaliers return only two starters — tackle Jack English and guard Jack McDonald, who is another Massachusetts native — from this year’s team.

UVA’s Projected Offensive Line Roster, 2017 Season (Scholarship Players Only)

Seniors: Jack English (STARTER, Left Tackle), Jack McDonald (STARTER, Guard), John Montelus (Guard)
(Note: Guard Sean Karl, who had experience as a reserve entering his redshirt senior season in 2016, missed the entire year with an injury. It is unknown if he will apply for a medical redshirt.)
Juniors: Jake Fieler (Guard/Center), Steven Moss (Guard)
Sophomores: Ryan Bischoff (Tackle), R.J. Proctor (Guard)
Redshirt Freshmen: Ben Knutson (Tackle), Dillon Reinkensmeyer (Guard/Center)
True Freshmen: Tyler Fannin (Center/Guard), Chris Glaser Jr. (Guard/Tackle), Ryan Nelson (Tackle), Ryan Swoboda (Tackle)

Aside from English and McDonald, Fieler and Proctor are the only returning players with significant college experience. Fieler and Proctor were both key reserves at guard in the 2016 season. Fieler also saw some snaps at center, something to remember heading into next year.