Everything Coming Together for Jay Hayes
After some years putting his game together, the game seems to be coming together this season for Jay Hayes. He was quick to thank Ronnie Stanley, Mike McGlinchey and other players for helping him develop, but now his focus is making an impact for this years much-improved Notre Dame defense.
Of course, the defense’s performance against Michigan State was extremely impressive, and Hayes commented on the performance by the defense.
“It was cool, we just stuck to the game plan,” stated Hayes. “We could have done better, but I feel like the defense right now is focusing on improving. We still have things we need to do for us to improve, it is still a work in progress.”
One of the reasons the defense had such success against Michigan State was the play of the defensive line. Netting two sacks, a forced fumble, and numerous disruptions. Hayes talked about the improvement of the defensive line over the course of the season so far.
“We’ve improved, but we are still not where we want to be and where we know we can be,” said Hayes. “We know that we can go to bigger and better places as a unit. We are just improving.”
Another reason for this improvement is the strength and conditioning program at Notre Dame that appears to prepare players for success in the fourth quarter. Jay Hayes discussed the rotation and the strength program.
“I feel the rotation helping out,” Hayes added. “85 plays is a lot of plays to play against Michigan State. Coaches do a good job of rotating guys in and keeping guys fresh until the fourth quarter. The strength program definitely helped with having the stamina to play through the fourth quarter. The amount of running we did this offseason is just….. Insane. I wish I could see just one of the workouts. The strength program has definitely helped us.”
Jay also talked about developing his own game and what the next step in his game was.
“Try to be as disruptive as I can be,” commented Hayes. “I need to get to the quarterback more.”
He was short and to the point, but it was clear he was resolute on this topic. Jay also showed that he is focused on improving his own game by commenting on his performance so far.
“I have been ok, I have improved but I know in my mind I can do better, insisted Hayes. “I know in my unit that guys can play better. The amount of work we have all put in this offseason, I know we can all play better.”
But Hayes was clear that the team is not focused on the past or the future, they are focused on their next opponent: Miami of Ohio. Despite being a MAC team, Hayes emphatically stated that the team is focused on this week and nothing else.
“I am not overlooking them, every team that comes into Notre Dame stadium is going to give it their all,” remarked Hayes. “They are still a division 1 program, and they are going to come in here and try to get a win, you have to respect the opponent.”
For Jay Hayes, this week is about continuing the improvement of his own game, the game of the defensive line, and the scheme of the overall defense to continue to win college football games.