Versatility Is The Name Of The Game For Notre Dame Commit Dominik Hulak

On Friday, Notre Dame received a nice commitment from 2025 Elmhurst (Ill.) Immaculate Conception linebacker Dominik Hulak, beating the likes of Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Louisville, Purdue, Illinois, Iowa State and Kansas among others. The versatile defender can potentially play a few different spots for the Irish, including on the second level of as a Vyper.

That versatility is the biggest selling point for Hulak. In a modern college game that is more and more asking defensive players to work in space and be assigned matchups, Hilak is a potential secret weapon with his talents to wear some many different hats for a defense. There isn’t much he can’t do on a football field.

WHAT CAN’T HE DO?

One of the first things that pop off the screen about Hulak is size. At 6-3 and 232 pounds, he has a long frame that already appears close to college ready despite only being a junior. It is a clean frame that has the potential to add a substantial amount of mass down the road. From a physical perspective, Hulak is a striker in the run game.

He is very comfortable transitioning downhill, especially inside the tackle box. Here Hulak quickly identifies and comes to balance as a tackler. You can see the easy power in his lower half to strike and halt the opposing ball carrier in their tracks.

The biggest difference from Hulak’s sophomore and junior film is comfort navigating space. While he’s definitely more comfortable in attack mode, Hulak has shown a good feel playing in increased space and in the passing game. You can see the smoothness in his hips on pass coverage on the play in particular.

Hulak quickly transitions into pass coverage, flipping his hips and gaining depth. He follows the quarterback’s eyes as he breaks the pocket. Eventually the quarterback is forced into a bad throw but again Hulak shows comfort to finish the errant throw for an interception.

There’s an odd narrative that has been created early on that Hulak is a somewhat average to below average athlete, which is just flat out not true. The best way to judge speed for a linebacker is when they are left playing in pursuit.

You can see the opposing offense throw a now screen with hopes to get to the perimeter. Hulak is playing a true inside linebacker spot and quickly explodes to the sideline once he identifies. You can see the speed for Hulak, which is definitely not below average. That is a play that really opens your eyes for positional possibilities.

Another false assumption you might get from looking at Hulak is to assume that he is a bit of a tight athlete. That is also just not true. There are several instances of Hulak changing direction, showcasing his ability and to stick his foot in the ground and close ground when redirecting.

As an outside linebacker working inside, it isn’t very easy for any linebacker to quickly reassess, change direction and close quickly. On this play, Hulak does so and makes a huge play opening to the sideline. Below average athletes just don’t make that play.

If Hulak had come around about ten years ago, he would be looked at as a premier SAM linebacker recruit. His combination of length, versatility and physicality would be a perfect fit into that spot. You can see that combination on this play.

Playing on the front side of the run, it's a pretty easy read for Hulak. The things you love to see is the pursuit speed while working to the outside. Then when the runner tries to shake Hulak, he has a subtle twitch to maintain good leverage and finish in space. Once again, pretty impressive for a guy who is supposed to not be very athletic.

Hulak doesn’t have a ton of plays as a traditional edge defender but the ones he does, he shows the requisite skills that should allow him to transition there very smoothly. As a pass rusher, his closing speed especially pops.

Some will look at this play unimpressed with Hulak being unblocked. The thing that should most be highlighted, however, is the explosiveness to close the gap and finish at the quarterback. That closing speed for Hulak isn’t very uncommon for a linebacker with as big of a frame as he has.

To further demonstrate his athleticism, the Immaculate Conception team asks Hulak to also make some plays on the offensive side of the football. Hulak doubles as a big play threat from his tight end position. He doesn’t get a ton of catch opportunities but Hulak makes the most of him.

From a technical perspective, there is nothing special here from a route running perspective. You can, however, still appreciate his athleticism. Hula finds space and shows off his speed to create a big play.

NEXT STEP

Recruited as a hybrid linebacker-defensive end, the biggest question is just how Hulak is going to develop physically. Will he outgrow linebacker all together and play Vyper? Will he remain as a full time linebacker or will he play a little of everything? It’s all on the table.

As Hulak’s role becomes clearer on the next level, he has a chance to make a massive leap as a football player. There really aren’t many limitations to Hulak’s game overall. His upside will be decided based upon what the defensive staff asks him to do.

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