Notre Dame Commit Dominik Hulak Is A Part Of A Defensive Evolution

Notre Dame received big news on Friday when 2025 Elmhurst (Ill.) Immaculate Conception defender Dominik Hulak opted for the Irish over offers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Purdue, Illinois, Louisville and Iowa State among others.

A player who could legitimately play linebacker or defensive end on the college level, Notre Dame has made sure to sell the vision for how he’d fit on the next level. Positionally will be the most interesting. In fact, there might be a spot that his unique skill set may help to create.

"They have been talking to me about playing a position called Money or something,” Hulak told Irish Breakdown. "It’s sort of like their Vyper position, but with a little more responsibility to do a bunch of things. I love rushing off of the edge. I also love playing linebacker. I’m just ready to get after it.

"Ultimately I will play whatever the staff wants me to,” he continued to explain. "I can play linebacker, on the edge. I can cover, attack, and play physically. I think everything I bring to the table is a big plus and the staff sees that.”

Is Hulak a precursor to a whole new defensive position? Is this proof that the defense will be evolving as more of Marcus Freeman’s recruits get to campus? Only time will tell. Regardless, there is clearly a plan for how the Illinois native will be utilized.

In the end, however, the bigger sell was the relationship Hulak has developed with the staff. From the very beginning, he has felt wanted and that paid off big time in the end.

"The staff has been really consistent with me,” he said. "I’ve never doubted that they wanted me to be a part of the Notre Dame program. They have high expectations for me and what I can bring to the table.

"Getting to know this staff, it’s been incredible,” Hulak added. "I’ve gotten to really get to know almost everyone on the staff. I obviously talk with Chad (Bowden) but I also talk with Marcus Freeman, Al Washington and Al Golden. They are all such great people and are excited for what I can accomplish in South Bend.”

Hulak became the second member from Illinois to be a part of the class, joining fellow defensive player Joseph Reiff. Notre Dame staff has their eyes on players like wide receiver Talyn Taylor and defensive end Christopher Burgess in hopes to keep the big time talent home.

The 6-3, 232-pound athlete was a key performer for the 13-1 Class 3A state championship squad as a sophomore. In total, Immaculate Conception outscored its opponents by a margin of 617 to 151 en route to winning the team’s last 12 games of the season. The Knights are off to a 9-2 start in 2023.

The Illinois native does the bulk of his damage on the defensive side of the football. Over the last two seasons, Hulak collected 93 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He also had two fumble recoveries, seven pass breakups and two blocked kicks.

On offense, Hulak also has a role as a tight end. In the last two seasons, he hauled in 18 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns through the air. That is an average of 19.2 yards per receptions. Hulak also ran the ball once for a 12 yard gain.

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