John Montelus believed Harry Hiestand was the person he wanted coaching him and college, so the 2013 Massachusetts offensive lineman committed to Notre Dame in April. Since that time Montelus and Hiestand have become extremely close and now the 6-foot-5, 295-pounder from Everett, Mass., knows that the Irish offensive line coach is the one he wants leading him in the future.
Hiestand dropped in on Hiestand at Everett High School this week to further that relationship.
“We’re becoming boys,” Montelus said. “Every time I call him and every time we meet each other, we get closer and closer. Basically, he was asking me how my mom was. He saw my mom and watched me practice.”
Montelus was proud to host his future coach at his high school practice.
“It was amazing knowing that one of my coaches that is going to coach me in college is here watching me,” he said. “For me, it feels like he really cares about me. I can’t wait to get coached by him.”
Montelus’ mother met Hiestand and Irish head coach Brian Kelly during his official visit to South Bend earlier this month.
“She thinks all of the coaches are great,” Montelus said of his mother. “She really likes Coach Hiestand and Coach Kelly, all of the coaches. She loves all of the coaches. She thinks they’re all great guys.”
Kelly will be by the school eventually, but Hiestand wasn’t exactly sure when yet.
“He’s going to tell me and we’re going to set up a plan,” said Montelus.
For now, Montelus’ sights are set on capturing another Massachusetts 1A Super Bowl title after a 42-14 win over Masconmet in a state semifinal earlier this week. Saturday’s contest at Gillette Stadium will be a rematch of last year’s title game, which Everett won, and a rematch of a regular season contest that saw Everett catch its only loss of the year.
Montelus is excited for a shot at redemption.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I just can’t wait to give them revenge. We’re going to practice hard (Thursday). We already have a game plan set up. I don’t think they’re ready yet.
“Last time, we had a lot of guys hurt. All of our guys are back healthy, so we’re definitely going to bring the heat.”
Montelus played at Gillette two years ago and is looking forward to finish his high school career on the New England Patriots’ home field.
“Knowing that the pros like Tom Brady and all of those big-time football players play on that field, it makes me feel special,” he said. “It’s a really nice stadium, so I can’t wait to play there.”
