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ND Football 2017 Freshman Breakdown – Kurt Hinish

By Walt Kosin

Nov 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Panthers offense lines up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Notre Dame won 42-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Panthers offense lines up against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Notre Dame won 42-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kurt Hinish – DT – 6’ 2, 280 lbs. – Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Catholic Central

The Greater Pittsburgh Area was very good to the Fighting Irish in the 2017 recruiting cycle.

Not only did Notre Dame sign linebacker Dave Adams, offensive tackles Josh Lugg and Robert Hainsey (finished career at IMG Academy in Florida), but it also signed Kurt Hinish, a defensive tackle.

Hinish is a three-star recruit, who is as blue collar as the city of Pittsburgh itself. He may have been rated higher by recruiting analysts if he had another inch or two. The ideal height for a defensive tackle is 6’ 4” to 6’ 6”.

Hinish choose the Fighting Irish over Penn. St., Pitt, Nebraska, Louisville, West Virginia, Virginia among others.

He completed his senior season with 31 tackles, 12 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

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It should be noted that he and David Adams helped lead Central Catholic to a state championship in 2015 and to a runner-up finish in 2016. He needs to add speed and strength to play effectively at the next level.

"His high school coach Terry Totten stated “He’s a big, tough, physical kid. He has a great motor and a great work ethic. No one is going to outwork him”."

Hinish knew he wanted to go to Notre Dame on his first visit to the campus. He stated “When they took us to the top of the library and I got to see the entire campus. I thought to myself, I want to go here”.

Hinish is very strong and plays with much power. He has an impressive first-step and plays with a very high motor. He uses his leverage well and is a fierce competitor.

His conditioning had to be excellent as he was a three-year starter on defense and a two year starter on the offensive line.

Hinish has a very strong lower half. He uses really solid leverage and keeps his leg’s driving. One obstacle he seems to overcome is that he lacks idea arm length at the defensive tackle. He makes up for it with his extreme effort and relentless nature.

Projection

Hinish will probably red-shirt his first year. He will use that year to gain weight, strength, speed and also work on his fundamentals. By the 2018 season, He should be 300 lbs. or more and will be able to play either tackle position. With his high motor and grit, Notre Dame fans will see him play quality minutes and ultimately becomes a starter.

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