Notre Dame football: Injury could lead to starting for Robert Hainsey
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football program is known for producing starting offensive line talent at the next level, and Robert Hainsey is next in line.
For years, the Notre Dame football program has been known for developing elite offensive line talent. It seems no matter the position along the offensive line, the Irish have at least one player selected every offseason.
For Robert Hainsey, he was not a huge draft prospect after his Notre Dame football career but showed his worth during the pre-draft process. He was so good in workouts that he would end up being a Day 2 pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2020.
Now, in his second season with the team, Hainsey appears ready to take the next step in his career, this after an unfortunate injury by Buccaneers center, Ryan Jensen early on in training camp.
Notre Dame football star to take over in Tampa Bay?
Hainsey is talented enough to be a depth lineman at multiple positions, including offensive tackle. However, at center, Hainsey will have his best chance to start, and all signs are pointed towards him being the answer if the team does not add anybody via free agency.
The truth is, Hainsey is ready for this job and has been an outstanding teammate during his time in Tampa Bay. He showed at Notre Dame that he can come in and fill any role, and in Tampa Bay, he will get to snap to the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.
Jensen is not supposed to be back until very late in the regular season, so if Hainsey can grab the starting job this summer, he will be counted on in a big way for a Bucs team that is playoff-ready. Tampa Bay is one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, and for Hainsey, he can prove to be a part of the long-term play for the Bucs with a solid first year as a starter.