2022 DT Donovan Hinish Will Be Back at Notre Dame Soon

2022 Central Catholic (Pa.) defensive tackle Donovan Hinish‍ had a big junior year and it's led to his life being a little different than four months ago. 

The 6-foot-1, 277-pounder went from no offers to holding offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Florida, Coastal Carolina, Kent State, Notre Dame, Pitt, Toledo, Virginia Tech and Western Michigan.

And yet, Hinish has remained the same as he hasn't focused too much on his recruitment as he's working to improve his game. 

"It's going well," Hinish said of the offseason. "I'm training with Dewayne Brown, who is the best trainer in Pittsburgh and PA. I'm trying to keep up my speed and I'm working on my hands." 

Hinish also talks to several schools that haven't offered and hope to get him on campus for a visit this summer.

"I'm still pretty excited I get to talk to coaches," explained Hinish. "I feel I'm extremely blessed to be in this position and I'm trying to talk to all the coaches I can. 

"I've recently started talking to Illinois. I've talked to Ohio State a little bit and I've been talking to a couple other schools too." 

The three-star prospect also maintains contact and wants to build relationships with the programs that have offered, including setting a couple of visits.  

"I'm keeping in touch with a fair share," said Hinish. "I've been trying to talk to everyone. I'm going to Pitt's spring game and then I'll be up to Notre Dame's on May 1st." 

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston is loved in the Hinish household, so the relationship is really more about life outside of football. 

"He's making sure I'm focused on school and building the relationship with me," Hinish said. 

Perhaps the biggest development of the offseason is what Hinish's older brother Kurt said in a recent interview following a Notre Dame spring practice. 

The older Hinish admitted his younger brother might be better than him in some areas and it didn't take long for the video to be shared with the family. 

"I have it screen recorded and everything, so he never forgets," laughed Hinish. "He was laughing. It's an ongoing joke because we always say we're better than each other. When I sent that, it pretty much solidified it." 

Up next for Hinish will be setting his official visits and then a decision. 

"As of right now, I think Pitt is the only one I have set," said Hinish. "I'll be there on June 25th and I'll set one for Notre Dame soon.

"I'm not sure when I'll make my decision. It's still up in the air."