30 Jul Preseason Scouting Notes: Robert Hainsey, OL, Notre Dame
Senior | 6’5″ 295 lbs. | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A versatile lineman and powerful lineman with a hot motor, strong hands and solid upper body technique
Overview:
Robert Hainsey product signed to Notre Dame as a 4-star recruit in 2016. As a freshman he made appearances in all 13 games, starting only one at RT. As a sophomore he started all 13 games as well as his first 8 as a junior before suffering a season-ending injury. Hainsey has experience across the line, playing at both tackle spots while showing the ability to kick inside. In 2019 he was given the captainship and was named the Fighting Irish Offensive Lineman of the Year. The returning senior will be tasked with many roles as head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees look to keep their spread, zone-heavy offense as a base, while focusing primarily on the running game while the new receiving corp develops.
Strengths:
– Extremely high effort. Always looking to block when left open and finish his reps
– Anchors well with upper body power on run and pass plays
– Experienced player with a good physical and mental feel for the game. Does not get fooled by stunts and other movements along the line as well as
– Strong hands keep defenders in front of him once he gets his hands on them
– Forceful initial punch will catch defenders lacking
– Legitimate threat on the second level that can maul DBs and displace LBs
– Hand placement and pad level are consistent
– Able run defender that uses his reach and man moving ability to create holes
Areas to improve:
– On the ground too often. Combination of poor balance and lack of lower body power
– His lack of foot quickness and overall athleticism limits his range and his pulling/recovery ability
– Needs to get more depth vertical sets against speed rushers
– Lacks NFL-caliber lower half flexibility and knee bend
– Drive generated at POA does not match his power during the rep
Injury concerns:
– Left leg injury, reported ankle but not confirmed vs Virginia Tech (ended his season)
Projection:
Hainsey projects best as a developmental OL backup with versatility across the line, though he ideally should be put at guard. His experience at both tackle positions as well as guard give him a better shot to make a roster. As a likely Day 3 selection, he will add solid depth to teams that have power run offenses. His overall potential will be limited due to his lower body deficiencies as well as his lack of athleticism.
What to watch in 2020:
Hainsey will need to even out the lower half of his frame in order to generate his power from his legs as well as his upper body. He will also have to battle genetics and improve his foot quickness as much as possible. As a projected guard at the next level, his lack of ability to pull and his limited range will hurt his stock. Improving upon those main traits as well as recovering from his recent injury will promote him from projected backup to low-level starter and a potential Day 2 selection.
- A native of southern Connecticut, Tim has been a passionate Cowboys fan since birth.
- Sports-Leisure Management major, knowledgeable in all aspects of sport and plans to get a career in this field.
- His interest in football has been life-long and he found his niche in scouting.
- Tim hopes to continue scouting and find his way into the pros or even as a college recruiter.