Notre Dame Recruiting: Freshman Breakdown – Robert Hainsey

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Dexter Williams (2) and offensive lineman Colin McGovern (62) and offensive lineman Alex Bars (71) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) and tight end Durham Smythe (80) and tight end Nic Weishar (82) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Dexter Williams (2) and offensive lineman Colin McGovern (62) and offensive lineman Alex Bars (71) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) and tight end Durham Smythe (80) and tight end Nic Weishar (82) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football added a lot of depth at the offensive guard position with their 2017 recruiting class.

Robert Hainsey: Offensive Guard (Pittsburgh, PA) IMG Academy

Robert Hainsey may be one of the best offensive lineman in his class. At 6’4, 276 lbs, Hainsey makes the perfect sized guard with more room to bulk during his time at Notre Dame.

Hainsey committed to Notre Dame on July 10, 2016 as a four-star offensive guard. He ranked as the fifth guard in the 2017 class and the 15th best recruit in the state of Florida. Hainsey has already enrolled at Notre Dame and has been on campus since the beginning of the spring semester. He chose the Irish over Miami, Georgia, and others.

Hainsey is a monster on the line. He’s one of the strongest members of his class and constantly wants to improve it. He uses his strength to push defenders around and get that initial burst off the line. Once he does, Hainsey continues to work towards pushing his defender as far back as possible.

What makes him special, though, is his footwork. Hainsey is quick and athletic, which makes him a threat to pull or stop defenders from the outside if needed. His ability to step back and punch and then return to the block is outstanding. He uses his footwork speed to move all defenders while his strength allows him to take on inside and outside defensive linemen.

Must Read: Freshman Breakdown: Darnell Ewell

Hainsey’s a winner and that makes him a valuable asset for Notre Dame. He’s constantly working towards bettering himself and makes his decisions on what will benefit him in the future.

Projection

Hainsey is going to be an impact player at Notre Dame. He’s going to step into the guard competition and with his talent could definitely be a strong competitor for the starting gig.

Either way, Hainsey is going to be a starter at Notre Dame eventually. He’s got all the aspects of a talented guard and Chip Long is going to fall in love with his work ethic. Whether it’s during his freshman season or later in his career, Hainsey is going to be a star for the Irish.

There’s little doubt that Hainsey is a playmaker on the offensive line. Already being enrolled at Notre Dame is a big advantage. He’ll get a chance to work out during spring practice which is going to give him a strong chance to compete for the starting job.

Next: Freshman Breakdown: Dillan Gibbons

Irish fans should be excited about Hainsey. This guy is going to be a freak in South Bend. One day, he’ll be one of the best lineman to leave Notre Dame.

Check out Robert Hainsey’s 247 profile, Rivals profile, and highlights.