Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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set the bar, for real." But just because Hayes felt com- fortable with Kelly and Notre Dame defensive line coach Keith Gilmore didn't mean the recruitment was over. It was actually the opposite. Hayes took official visits to both Michigan State and Ohio State. He lis- tened to pitches from the Buckeyes' Urban Meyer and the Spartans' Mark Dantonio, but in the end none of them could top what Kelly was selling —the idea that Hayes could be the next Jay- lon Smith. Smith, like Hayes, was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He quickly became the heart of the de- fense for the Irish and projects as a top NFL Draft pick after back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. "Coach Kelly said, 'As far as how we would use you, just look at No. 9 [Jaylon Smith]. That's where you'll FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Players with the combination of size, natural power and athleticism that Daelin Hayes pos- sesses do not come along very often … A highly instinctive football player that is just as comfort- able playing in space as he is attacking downhill to the football … Makes quick reads and has the range to play sideline to sideline … Athleti- cally he is smooth, shows strong agility and has tremendous explosive potential … Is an impact talent that projects to all three linebacker posi- tions in the Irish defense and could easily slide down and play weakside defensive end, where he can utilize his outstanding pass-rushing tools. Areas For Improvement The main concern is a lack of playing history … He simply has not played much football due to a pair of shoulder injuries … For him to maximize his potential, he will have to stay healthy and work hard to develop his frame. — Bryan Driskell