Season Predictions: Daelin Hayes

Nathan Erbach
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

We are back with another prediction piece, and this time it will be focused on a rising sophomore with loads of potential, defensive end Daelin Hayes. Hayes came to Notre Dame with a lot of expectations. He was a high-end four-star recruit with the nation’s top schools all over him, and a player that former Notre Dame great, Jaylon Smith, took under his wing. Hayes will need to be an impact player for the Irish this season.

Image from twitter user @DaelinHayes_IX

Daelin Hayes finished up his freshman season with 12 total tackles and a forced fumble in limited time. He didn’t play much in high school due to multiple injuries, and this was his first full season in multiple years, which was his most important stat line. Now, it is time to prove he can be the force Notre Dame recruited him to be.

In Mike Elko’s scheme, Hayes will play the drop-end (weak-side defensive end) and will be asked to contribute in a variety of ways. A misnomer about Elko’s scheme is the usage of the drop-end position. Hayes will not be asked to pin his ears back snap after snap and go get the quarterback. Yes, that is a crucial part of his responsibility, but “dropping” back in coverage and guarding slot receivers and tight ends will also be an essential part of his game.

A successful season for Daelin Hayes will be similar to what Duke Ejiofor provided the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest last year (50 tackles, 17 for loss, 5 PDs, 10.5 sacks, 2 FFs and 1 INT).

Here are my predictions for Daelin Hayes in 2017:

Hayes will finish the year with 45 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6 PDs, 8 sacks, 2 FFs and 2 INTs. Obviously, this is a presumptuous prediction based on his experience and limited production, but the talent and scheme are there for him to succeed at a high level. I expect Hayes to be a high impact player under Elko, and these stat predictions could actually be selling his talents short.

Golden Domer Daily

A one-stop blog for Notre Dame athletics and recruiting.

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Nathan Erbach

Written by

Recruiting Writer/Analyst at @NDDomerDaily Occasional Under The Dome Podcast Contributor. Covering all things Notre Dame Athletics. ☘️

Golden Domer Daily

A one-stop blog for Notre Dame athletics and recruiting.

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