“I've yet to receive any offers yet, but I am hearing from some really good schools, “ said Hayes. “South Carolina, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, UCLA and Notre Dame have all been showing me some interest.”
Even though most of his list has a Southern flavor, one school up North has definitely caught his eye, and he wouldn’t mind learning some more about them and their program.
“Notre Dame has been sending me quite a few letters and e-mails about different things,” he said. “I really like the coach (Brian Kelly) they have at Notre Dame, and I got to watch a few games last season since they’re on TV a lot. I really like the way they run the ball consistently and how they're not afraid to move the ball on the ground to get a first down.
“They've sent me a letter for camp this summer, so I'm going to try to go up there and check it out. I’d like to go up there and show them what I can do; maybe I'll get an offer.”
What you see is what you get with Hayes, and he believes recruiters are starting to like him because of his running style.
“I'm a very physical running back that can also outrun his opponent if I have to,” claimed the bruiser, “I'll do whatever I have to do to help lead my team to victory.”
While the South Carolina standout looks forward to the Irish camp in South Bend this summer, he has already stopped and checked in on a few programs that have shown him interest.
“I've already visited Georgia and South Carolina,” said Hayes. “I'm going to try to make it to North Carolina next month so I can check them out, so recruiting is definitely picking up for me.”
With the 2011 high school football season on the horizon, the Wade Hampton star already has his eyes set on what he hopes to accomplish and doesn’t plan on letting anything stand in his way.
“This year, I set my goals pretty high individually,” he said. “I want to get over 2,500 yards rushing with at least 30 touchdowns. I also want to win the state championship with my team.”
There’s one thing we know for sure, this young man is not afraid of a challenge.
