‘Clean Slate’ Works For Jay Hayes
A clean slate and a potential starting spot in new defensive coordinator Mike Elko’s plan has re-energized Jay Hayes.
After a disappointing junior season in which the 6-3, 281-pound defensive end failed to make an impact, a change in leadership has been beneficial for Hayes.
“I take everything a day at a time,” Hayes said last week. “Every day I’m coming in just focusing on what I need to do to get better and focusing on my process. Having a clean slate, it’s pretty neat.”
Hayes played just 155 defensive snaps in 2016, the same amount as true freshman Daelin Hayes. Jay Hayes, who played in three games as a freshman and redshirted as a sophomore, appeared in 10 games and had 10 total tackles last season.
But his skill set is of a player that could much more disruptive in Elko’s new 4-2-5, attacking defense.
“It’s just a mismatch,” Hayes said of his skills. “Especially with power and strength going into games and then my hand usage, that’s something that’s a weapon that I use for passing situations.”
Hayes is locked in a battle for a starting spot at strongside end with senior Andrew Trumbetti (6-4, 252).
“I mean Jay Hayes is 280 pounds,” defensive line coach Mike Elston said. “He’s big, he’s physical, he plays physical, so Jay can give us a lot of snaps if he continues to grow in the areas he needs to, which he is. He’s committed to that right now.”
Elston is working on polishing Hayes’ game, mastering the pass rush moves that made him a four-star prospect and top-250 player in the country in the class of 2014.
Hayes began his career as an undersized defensive tackle before moving to rush end last year. Now he’s in the position manned by Isaac Rochell a year ago
“I’m open to do whatever the team needs me to do,” Hayes said. “I’m comfortable where I’m at now. If the team needs me to move I’m comfortable with that as well. The coaches know what’s best for me.”
Like all positions, Hayes said the defensive ends are focused primarily on technique during the early portions of spring practice.
The Irish are building the foundation to their defense, hoping to improve on a 4-8 season that saw the defensive line tally a total of just three sacks.
“As opposed to just scheme, scheme, scheme, we’re just focused on fundamentals,” Hayes said. “Once everyone on the team has their fundamentals down pat, things should take off.
“The position drills and meeting with the coaches and emphasizing fundamentals and technique over scheme, that’s been extremely helpful. It leads to more production.”
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