The Latest | Notre Dame & 2022 ATH Dallan Hayden

With the calendar flipping from 2020 to 2021 and a pandemic keeping the recruiting process in a dead period, Dallan Hayden‍ decided it was time for him to officially narrow his list.

That’s why the 2022 Tennessee released a Top 4 of Notre Dame, Tennessee, Oregon and Ohio State on New Year’s Day.

Through their constant communication, those four schools have made it clear he’s a priority on their board, a main factor in Hayden trimming his list.

Tommy Rees and Lance Taylor have positioned the Irish well, but Ohio State’s Tony Alford, Oregon’s Rod Chance and Jeremy Pruitt of Tennessee have done the same for their respective programs.

Hayden, whose father Aaron was a standout running back for the Vols, says he is a Tennessee kid, but is quick to stress he means that in terms of being from the state.

Hayden could play offense or defense in college and while the Irish were recruiting him as an athlete at the start of the process, it’s becoming clear they like the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder as a running back.

Hayden is hoping he’ll have the chance to take visits in April and hit the road in the next step of the recruiting process. If that happens, it’s likely he’ll have a decision this spring or summer.

After getting into the final grouping, the schools will need to make the Christian Brothers star feel comfortable with their program and culture.

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