Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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on campus without the intention of making a decision, but after talk- ing with Irish recruiting coordina- tor Mike Elston he knew that Notre Dame was the pick — and it wasn't even close. "I got through the visit, and I just knew that I wasn't going to go any- where else," Hinish said. "At that point if I didn't commit, I would just be collecting offers to collect offers. I knew where I was going to go, so I told myself, why not commit? "It's a great football school with great academics. You really can't top it. It's like the Mecca of college foot- ball. I really believe that I'm going to grow up as a man at Notre Dame." Hinish wasn't the only one that was sold on the Irish. His parents, who accompanied him on a visit to Penn State a month prior to the visit, felt the same way after seeing the ac- ademic presentation at Notre Dame. FILM ANALYSIS Strengths An aggressive and quick defender whose game is similar to past Notre Dame standouts like Derek Landri (2002‑06) and Sheldon Day (2012‑15) … Explodes off the ball and displays a strong punch and lower body power … Plays with good leverage and works his feet from snap to whistle … His initial burst might be his best attribute … Strong penetrator but has the power to anchor and to bull rush … Plays with a non‑stop motor and has a nasty streak. Areas For Improvement Listed generously at 6‑3 and 283 pounds, so he doesn't have ideal size … Lacks upper body definition, but once he fills out his strength should become a major asset … Must improve his lateral quickness and has a tendency to narrow his feet, which causes him to lose his base … Has the athleticism, power and hand speed to become a strong pass rusher, but must enhance his repertoire of moves. — Bryan Driskell