Notre Dame landed their second commitment at The Opening, with IMG Academy’s Robert Hainsey picking the Irish. The offensive lineman chose the Irish over national offers from Michigan, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Penn State and plenty of others, with Harry Hiestand once again landing one of his priority targets, snapping up a player who profiles as a Top 100 prospect.
Hainsey announced on Sunday evening from Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and also on social media.
“I have been extremely blessed throughout this process,” Hainsey said in a statement. “I truly appreciate all of the coaches who have believed in me and offered me a scholarship. However, I believe I have made the best decision for my future, and I want to thank the staff at this University for this opportunity to better myself. That being said, I will be committing to the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish.”
Hainsey profiles as an interior lineman, though he impressed those in attendance at The Opening by playing up to his listed size at 6-foot-4.5 and 275 pounds while looking athletic. That gives him a chance to stay outside if the Irish need him at tackle. Hainsey is the left tackle for one of the nation’s most talented teams at IMG Academy, where he transferred before his junior season from Pittsburgh.
COMMITTED❗️🍀#IRISHEL17E #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/TzvZ1UgmOT
— Robert Hainsey (@rhainsey72) July 11, 2016
Reloading the offensive line is a priority in this recruiting cycle and the Irish are on pace. They’ve added Hainsey to Josh Lugg and Dilan Gibbons. Hiestand has also stayed in pursuit of five-star tackle Foster Sarell, who played up to his grade in Oregon.
Hainsey is the 15th commitment in the 2017 class.