Daelin

Hayes

Hayes (6'4/258) has appeared in nine games for the Fighting Irish this season, accounting for 17 total tackles (6.0 for loss), 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. The redshirt senior, who was named a defensive captain, has bounced back well after appearing in just four games last season due to injury. Hayes will likely hear his name called at some point on Day 3 of this spring’s draft, and he’s been given a sixth-round grade by Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline.

Hayes (6'4/266) suffered a torn labrum in Notre Dame’s 35-20 victory over 18th ranked Virginia last weekend. He still has a redshirt left and will exercise his right to use it this season since he played in only three games this season. Hayes had 31 tackles and two sacks last year. In 2019 he recorded five total tackles with three tackles for loss and a sack. Notre Dame faces Bowling Green on Saturday.

Hayes (6'4/266) has been an important role player for the Irish for years, but it looks like his 2019 season will be cut short. Kelly confirmed to the media on Sunday that Hayes has a labrum tear that will shut him down for the year. The good news is that Hayes still has a redshirt available and only appeared in three games this season, so he will be eligible to redshirt and return in 2020. Hayes had three tackles for loss and a sack in 2019.

Notre Dame was notorious for their inability to get to the quarterback in 2016, recording just 14 sacks as a team during that lost 4-8 season. This spring, Irish HC Brian Kelly indicated that he expects Hayes, a four-star recruit for the 2016 cycle, to be able to help shore up these deficiencies. Kelly said that the 6-foot-3, 249-pounder is “going to be around the football and be a disruptive player for us.” He recorded 12 tackles and one forced fumble while playing as a true freshman in 2016.

Hayes drew interest from Oregon and Ohio State, but he committed to the Irish in mid-December and held true to that commitment come National Signing Day. The 6-foot-3, 249-pounder has already shown the requisite athleticism, with Scout.com’s Allen Trieu noting that Hayes is also “comfortable” when forced to drop into coverage. He “fits best as a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher,” Trieu writes, “but could potentially continue growing into a full fledged defensive end.”