2022 DT Donovan Hinish on Notre Dame Offer: 'It means the world to me'

Toughness and physicality have become a staple of the Notre Dame program over the last three years and on Thursday, Mike Elston offered one of the most physical players in the 2022 class. 

2022 Central Catholic (Pa.) defensive tackle Donovan Hinish picked an offer from Notre Dame and it's a moment he won't soon forget as it was also his first scholarship. 

"It means the world to me," Hinish told ISD. "I know that I'm going down the right direction, but I have to keep working harder every day. Making my family's last name proud, it just means the world to me and one of the biggest things that's ever happened to me." 

The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder is the younger brother of current Notre Dame defensive lineman, Kurt Hinish, which means he's extremely familiar with the Irish program and coaching staff. 

"The experiences have been great when I've gone up to visit my brother," said Hinish. "It's a great atmosphere and I love it up there."

Hinish watched his brother go through his recruitment and knows it's a long process. There will be more offers, but Notre Dame will be the program everyone will be chasing.

"It feels like a dream right now," Hinish said of getting his first offer. "I was so shakey because I was so excited. My adrenaline was pumping and it's just a dream come true. 

"I talked to Pitt a little bit ago. Colorado State was another school I've talked to a couple of days ago. James Franklin followed me on Twitter as of five minutes ago." 

Pittsburgh is known for its tough players and Hinish seems like the next in line to define the blue-collar work ethic. 

"My strength is my nastiness and grittiness in the trenches," stated Hinish. "Those are the biggest qualities I have over everyone else. I know I need to work on my hands and my feet. You can always keep working at those and making them better every day." 

So who is more nasty and gritty between the Hinish brothers? 

"Me," stated the youngest Hinish. "Guaranteed." 

When it comes to a decision, Hinish doesn't seem to be in a hurry as he looks to enjoy the moment. 

"I'm not sure yet," Hinish said. "Notre Dame definitely my top priority and my No. 1 as of now. It's definitely up there and I love it there. I'll see what happens from here on out." 

The entire Hinish family has fallen in love with Notre Dame over the years and it was evident by his mother's reaction to the offer. 

"My mom is a school teacher and I get a call from her," said Hinish. "She asked if there is anything I want to tell her. I'm trying to play it cool because I wanted to tell her in person, but my dad told her. I was like, 'No, I don't really have anything,' trying not to tell her anything. 

"She was like, 'Oh, nothing happened?' I ended up breaking and she started screaming. I don't know if she had a class or not, but she was screaming really loud. It was really funny. 

"When she came home, I gave her a big hug and my dad and I talked about it.

"It’s a great day in the Hinish household."