Donovan Hinish Plays Nasty to Achieve Team Glory for Notre Dame

A Hinish wearing No. 41 in the middle of the Notre Dame defense has been a staple since the 2017 season. 

Kurt Hinish manned the middle from 2017-2021 and now it’s Donovan Hinsh’s time to cause chaos at nose guard. 

One would never know the younger Hinish had some reservations about following his brother’s footsteps at Notre Dame, but he did when he arrived on campus in 2022. 

“Following his footsteps here wasn’t easy leaving what he left,” stated Hinish. “He’s a great role model, so any questions I have, whether it’s football or family-related, he’s there. His mentality is it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, I’m going to step in and do what I do.

“I’m trying to do the same thing because we're roughly the same size. We’re not bigger guys, but we’re going to be tough guys. We’re going to try to step in the pocket with anybody, so he’s helped me a lot.” 

Those conversations set the table for Hinish to move past seeing his brother on the walls of The Gug and allow him to focus on himself.

“He was just a captain here, and I’m coming in as a freshman, and everyone is like, ‘He’s going to try and follow him up.’ That was in the back of my head and it freaked me out a little bit.

“He said, ‘You’re Donovan, I’m Kurt. You got your path and I have mine. We’re not the same player. We play completely different. It’s up to you to create your own legacy. I tried to leave mine and it’s up to you to leave yours.’” 

Two years later, Hinish has become a key member of Notre Dame's defensive line and is expected to make his first start this weekend against Virginia. 

There will surely be some excitement on Saturday, but Hinish hasn’t changed his approach to preparation as he’s prepared as a starter all fall. 

”I have to trust my preparation,” said Hinish. “I’m out there for a reason. Coach trusts me. I have to fall back on my training and believe in Coach and that he wouldn’t put me out there for no reason. That takes the edge off, knowing he trusts me.” 

Defensive coordinator Al Golden has gained a lot of trust in Hinish over the last few years as he’s seen the Pittsburgh native go to work on the practice field. 

“He’s always had my confidence,” said golden. “We say it all the time. Keep recruiting guys that love the game as much as you. All you have to do is turn on the tape and you’ll understand his passion for the game. What you can’t see is his preparation, his tenacity.’

“He’s a blessing to have on this team. He fits right in for what we’re trying to develop on defense. I’m excited that he’s gonna have an opportunity that he’s gonna have this weekend. Obviously, he showed us last week he’s ready for it.”

Now, Notre Dame and Hinish don’t want to see Howard Cross III on the bench due to injury, but that’s the hand the defense has been dealt. Perhaps the positive in Cross going down was Hinish upped his game immediately last week as he recorded two sacks against Florida State. 

”It was honestly incredible,” Hinish said. “At nose tackle, you kind of put your head down and go to work. You don’t really get sacks. Getting sacks was awesome, but it was more of a feeling of gratitude because I trust my guys on the backend. When we watch the film, there’s nowhere for the quarterback to throw the ball, so it sets the line up for us to rush and get home.”

The humble attitude is the culture Marcus Freeman has tried to create as team glory has been a focus this season. 

Yet, Freeman also appreciates the nasty attitude Hinish brings to the defensive line. 

“I’m 6-foot-2,” said Hinish. “Guys, I go against are 6-5, 315. Obviously, they are way bigger than me. Coming in undersized, that’s just the thing right there. I’m going to try to play to break you. I’m smaller than you. My whole life, everyone has doubted me because of my size and everything.

“I’m going to prove them wrong. That’s my mindset set going in. Showing I can do what I do and I’m here for a reason. I have to put a chip on my shoulder, so that’s where that nastiness comes from. My brother instilled his mentality in me.” 

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