Daelin Hayes Focused On Process Of Dominance
The Notre Dame defensive line has exceeded expectations through five games. Those in The Gug were optimistic about the offseason progress, but even the staff has to be a little surprised with the success to this point.
Sophomore defensive end Daelin Hayes attributes the growth to a new mindset and a will to be great.
“Work ethic, production and the ability to just make plays,” Hayes said of the difference this fall. “We are going out and having fun. The guys are locked into their assignment and just want a big play.
“Everybody has a desire to be their best. Everybody wants to be the best they can be. Guys are coming in hungry and working their process. It’s huge. A lot of times you guys don’t see it, but as a player and a coach, you have to work your process, and it’s going to be different between each guy.”
The 6-foot-4, 258-pounder has recorded 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and has recovered two fumbles through five games. Hayes isn’t satisfied with his performance as he wants to become a game-changer.
“I’m working my process the same,” stated Hayes. “I have things I have to clean up and things I want to work on to get better. The end goal of being a dominant player is what I think would be any player's end goal.”
Defensive line coach Mike Elston and Hayes recently had a conversation about the path to greatness. The Michigan native understands it doesn’t happen overnight and he has to stick with it despite not seeing immediate results.
“I play defensive end,” said Hayes. “The end goal to be a dominant and first-round defensive end. Am I that now? No. I don’t have to be, but I have to work that process. I have to be intentional each day and coming in with an attitude to get better.
“A lot of times you don’t see the process. You don’t see the progression like Khalid. From the time where he was at in the spring to where he is at now, he’s a guy who is – even Julian (Okwara), guys who have worked and been committed to getting better every day.
“You see the production and the end goal. It’s still an ongoing process, but those guys have taken huge steps in their process and are very intentional.”
The advice from Elston has stuck with Hayes, but his mother echoed the statements from his position coach.
“She sits me down and tells me that we live in a society where you want everything right now,” explained Hayes. “You want to make the big play, be dominant and this or that all right now.
“There is a process to it. You have to work that process each day. Being a completely dominant player, it takes time. I’m in a season of working the process and doing what I can do to help my team.”
Another major positive in Hayes’ growth has been the ability to stay on the field. Hayes battled shoulder injuries during his prep career, and the former five-star prospect has avoided the injury bug to this point in his career.
Hayes has also learned college football is much different than high school football over his first two years, as recovery takes a little bit longer with the extended reps.
“I’m grateful to run around and play,” Hayes said. “With these types of reps, it’s the longest. My body is sore Sunday’s, and Monday is a progressive day to get back to feeling good. It’s definitely an adjustment.”