nique tackle or maybe a strongside
end to groom behind senior Isaac
Rochell, Hayes instead appeared to
become a co‑starter at weakside end
with classmate Andrew Trumbetti.
Whereas Trumbetti is more of
a quick‑twitch player off the edge
with his 255‑pound frame, Hayes
likely will see more action against
physical, running teams. Trumbetti
undoubtedly will have a major role
after taking the fourth‑most snaps
along the line last year (368, or about
30 per game), but Hayes is expected
to enhance the overall depth along
the line with his growth.
However, the growth had to first
take place within for Hayes, and he
credits the staff, including strength
and conditioning coach Paul Longo,
for helping set him right.
" I t h i n k w e a l l g o t h ro u g h
that phase, it's the freshman or
sophomore blues," Hayes said of
his unfiltered expression last year.
"At one point you can think you
have it all figured out … They really
emphasize the next step of being a
man. I've really reevaluated myself,
the things that I do.
"What I take away from that, and
I tell all the younger guys too, 'Bad
times make you much better. Bad
times strengthen you.' That stuff
hurts even thinking about it. But now
I'm just way past it. That's something
that has really stuck with me to this
day."
After a heart‑to‑heart talk with
Kelly, Hayes said his frustration
turned to determination.
"Patience is something I've always
