Robert

Hainsey

Hainsey (6'5/290) has appeared in each of Notre Dame’s ten games this season, filling the starting right tackle role. It’s worth noting that on its list of invitees who have accepted that the senior offensive lineman is listed as a guard/center. So it’s possible that Hainsey will be asked to shift inside at the level. Hainsey projects to be a Day 3 selection in this spring’s draft, and Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline has given him a sixth-round grade.

Notre Dame has been a bit banged-up on the offensive line in recent weeks, with Hainsey (6'4/295) becoming the latest addition to that injury list. The junior right tackle has been replaced in the lineup by Josh Lugg.

Surprise, surprise -- the Fighting Irish look to have another future pro on the offensive line. In Notre Dame’s brutalizing of Virginia, Hainsey (6'4/295) led the way for RB Tony Jones Jr. to rip off 7.3 yards per carry and three touchdowns. Hainsey is in his second season as the starting right tackle and is already a captain for the team. As Notre Dame continue to work through the season as one of the “on the cusp” playoff teams, expect Hainsey to be at the forefront of the team’s winning efforts.

“The coaches are great, I feel at home, they have great football there, and after football I’ll great opportunities for whatever I want to do,” Hainsey told Rivals. He plans on being an early enrollee at Notre Dame next spring in the hopes that he can smooth over the transition from high school to college. The 6-foot-5, 276-pounder ranks as Rivals’ No. 64 overall prospect for 2017. Outlet recruiting analyst Adam Friedman notes that with Hainsey now in the fold, the Fighting Irish “are poised once again to have one of the best offensive line classes in this recruiting cycle.” In addition to Hainsey, HC Brian Kelly has secured commitments from four-star OL Joshua Lugg and three-star OL Dillan Gibbons.