Notre Dame football: Kurt Hinish making his mark with the Houston Texans
By Brad Weiss
Former Notre Dame football star Kurt Hinish is getting his chance as an undrafted free agent in Houston and is making the most of his opportunity.
For years, Kurt Hinish was a monster along the interior of the defensive line for the Houston Texans, carving out quite a legacy in South Bend. However, he went undrafted during the 2022 NFL Draft and had to find a home as an undrafted free agent.
Looking back, that may have been the best thing that could have happened to him, as he is making a real mark in his first summer with the Houston Texans. Hinish has shown the same kind of passion that made him a fan favorite with the Irish and has a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot as a UDFA.
In today’s NFL, that is very hard to do, but looking at the players ahead of him on the depth chart, coupled with his production, he should be able to do just that. Hinish has a real chance to earn a starting job with the Texans.
Aaron Wilson, who covers the NFL for Pro Football Network, tweeting this out from Texans head coach Lovie Smith.
Lovie Smith on Kurt Hinish: 'As a nose guard anytime you get a sack, that's big. We like what he's done throughout camp.' @NDFootball
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 14, 2022
It is clear that Hinish is making an impact in his first NFL camp, and with his heart for the game, if he does get a chance to make the 53-man roster this summer, you can be sure the Texans are getting an absolute monster at nose tackle.
Notre Dame football will miss Hinish in 2022
The Notre Dame football team does have players who can step up in his role this season, but they are going to miss his production and his leadership. One player to keep an eye on in terms of replacing Hinish is Chris Smith, a graduate transfer from Harvard who has caught the attention of the Irish coaching staff.
He was All-Ivy League at Harvard and looks to be the real deal.
We will continue to keep an eye on the Houston Texans, especially as they start cutting players and getting down to the 53-man roster obligation for Week 1. If Hinish is cut, based on what he has shown, you can be sure he will land on someone’s practice squad, or even Week 1 roster.