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Overview
Hayes' stock began its rise during an All-American season in 2007, then again in postseason workouts. His 19 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles and 8.5 sacks last season followed up a junior season in which he accumulated 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He will likely move to linebacker in the pros from the defensive end spot he excelled in at WSSU. His potential as a stand-up pass rusher is very intriguing to NFL scouts.
Analysis
Positives: Good explosion off the line ... Strong at the point of attack against lower-division tackles ... Can bring his hips in tackles, lining up players in space and leveling them ... Moves well enough laterally to cover running backs in the flat and affect misdirection plays ... Excellent closing speed when approaching a quarterback or ballcarrier ... Solid motor and does not take many plays off.
Negatives: Limited experience against top competition, and will be trying to perfect his linebacker play in the pros ... Needs to use his hands better to disengage from blockers and beat larger, quicker tackles at the next level ... Must also learn to effectively sort through trash around the line to find the ballcarrier.
Career Notes
Named to the SBN Sports Black College All-America Team ... Invited to play in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game ... Along with teammate Thad Griffin, the first WSSU player to receive national honors since the program moved to Division I two years ago ... Had 16.0 sacks and 129 tackles over the past two seasons.
High School
A native of High Point, NC he is a 2003 graduate of High Point Andrews High School where he was a member of the Raiders' Mid State 2A Conference Championship team in 2003.
Personal
The son of Robert and Vivian Hayes ... A Sport Management major at WSSU ... Born in High Point, NC on May 2, 1985 ... Nicknamed "Sea Breeze."
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