A Hinish wearing No. 41 in the midst of the Notre Dame defense has been a fixture since the 2017 season.
Kurt Hinish manned the middle from 2017 to 2021, and now it’s Donovan Hinsh’s turn to stir chaos at nose guard.
One would never guess that the younger Hinish had any reservations about following in his brother’s footsteps at Notre Dame, but he did when he arrived on campus in 2022.
“Following his footsteps here wasn’t easy leaving what he left,” Hinish told me. “He’s a terrific role model for me, so he’s there to answer any questions I have about football or family. His philosophy is that no matter who you are or what you do, I will step in and do what I do.
“I’m attempting to do the same thing because we’re around the same size. We’re not huge people, but we’re going to be tough. We’re going to try to step in the pocket with anyone, so he’s been a huge assistance to me.”
Those chats laid the groundwork for Hinish to move beyond seeing his sibling on the walls of The Gug and focus on himself.
“He was just a captain here, and I’m coming in as a freshman, and everyone says, ‘He’ll try to follow him up.'” That was in the back of my mind and creeped me out a little.
“He said, ‘You’re Donovan and I’m Kurt. You have your route and I have mine. We are not the same player. We play completely differently. It is up to you to build your own legacy. I attempted to leave mine, now it’s up to you to leave yours.”
Two years later, Hinish has established himself as a crucial member of Notre Dame’s defensive line and is expected to get his first start against Virginia this weekend.
There will undoubtedly be some excitement on Saturday, but Hinish’s attitude to preparation has remained consistent with his preparation as a starter throughout the fall.
“I have to trust my preparation,” Hinish stated. “I am out there for a reason. Coach trusts me. I have to rely on my training and confidence in Coach, who wouldn’t put me out there for no reason. Knowing he trusts me helps to take the edge off.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden has developed a high level of trust in Hinish over the last few years, having witnessed the Pittsburgh native work hard on the practice field.
“He’s always had my confidence,” Golden added. “We repeat it all the time. Continue to recruit guys that share your passion for the game. All you have to do is turn on the recording to grasp his enthusiasm for the game. What you can’t see is his preparation, his tenacity.’
“He’s a blessing to have on our squad. He fits perfectly in with what we’re trying to create on defense. I’m excited about the opportunity he’ll have this weekend. He clearly shown last week that he is prepared.
Notre Dame and Hinish do not want Howard Cross III to sit on the bench due to injury, but that is the card the defense has been dealt. Perhaps the fortunate aspect of Cross’s injury was that Hinish quickly improved his game, recording two sacks against Florida State last week.
“It was honestly incredible,” Hinish added. “At nose tackle, you basically put your head down and get to work. You don’t actually get sacks. Getting sacks was great, but it was more of a sense of appreciation because I trust my guys on the backend. When we examine the film, there’s nowhere for the quarterback to throw the ball, so we’re ready to rush and get home.”
Marcus Freeman has attempted to foster a culture of humility as team glory has become a focal point this season.
However, Freeman loves Hinish’s vicious demeanor on the defensive line.
“I’m 6-foot-2,” Hinish stated. “Guys, I’m up against 6-5, 315. Obviously, they are much bigger than me. Coming in undersized is just the thing. I am going to try to break you. I am smaller than you. Everyone has always doubted me because of my size.
“I am going to prove them wrong. That is the mindset I have going in. demonstrating that I am capable of doing what I do and that I am here for a purpose. I have to carry a chip on my shoulder, which is where the nastiness comes from. My brother ingrained his mentality in me.
