Notre Dame has landed a prized five-star recruit at linebacker.
Daelin Hayes, a one-time USC commit, chose Notre Dame over Michigan State and Ohio State during a news conference just minutes ago.
(Watch Hayes’ “Dark Knight” inspired commitment video here.)
Hayes is a 6 foot 3 1/2 inch, 249 pound force that can play multiple positions.
“He’s a hybrid guy: He’s not truly a linebacker. He’s not truly a defensive end,” Scout’s Midwest Football Recruiting Manager Allen Trieu said Wednesday. “He’s one of those stand up, edge rusher type of guys and I think he sees a good fit for him there with the Irish. I think he also fits their culture. He is a kid who has bounced around to some different schools. He started off at a private school – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – and I just think the whole culture is going to be a great fit for him there in South Bend.”
The Skyline High School product is a five-star talent according to Rivals.com, which has him at #21 overall in the Class of 2016 and the top athlete from Michigan. Scout.com has him rated as four stars and the #12 outside linebacker overall in the class.
Hayes played 3 games for Skyline this year before separating his shoulder, according to the Detroit News. The high school student has already finished his classes, MLive.com reported, and is expected to be an early enrollee in college.
As for where Hayes might fit on Notre Dame’s depth chart, Irish Illustrated’s Tim Prister had this to say:
Hayes is a more compact version of defensive end Stephon Tuitt than he is [Jaylon] Smith, but his athleticism is that of an outside linebacker, particularly when he’s closing in on a quarterback or chasing down a running back.
If that talent ends up wearing a Notre Dame uniform, his best position in the current defense would be that of a big end, which is the position Isaac Rochell plays. Rochell has another year of eligibility with the Irish.
If Hayes chooses Notre Dame and Rochell stays at big end, look for the prized freshman to bounce to the other defensive end spot, which will be vacated by the graduation of Romeo Okwara.
We look forward to Hayes getting on campus and getting acclimated with the team. He certainly doesn’t need to adjust to the weather. His hometown of West Bloomfield is about a 3 hour drive northwest of South Bend.
https://twitter.com/DaelinHayes_24/status/674049451963609088/photo/1
UPDATE: Brian Kelly just launched the bat signal to recognize Hayes’ commitment.
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) December 10, 2015
?????
?????
?????
????….!Room for more!!!#F16HTINGIRISH
— Mike Elston (@CoachMikeElston) December 10, 2015
- In Kelly-Harbaugh Recruit Fight, It’s Tied - January 19, 2017
- Catching Up With Matt Fortuna (Part 2) - January 6, 2017
- Catching Up With Matt Fortuna - January 5, 2017
TERRY
This is Big Time!!
Way to go guys!!