Story Poster
Photo by Rick Kimball/ISD
Notre Dame Football

Christmas Wish for Daelin Hayes: "A win against LSU"

December 25, 2017
4,034

The Notre Dame football team is getting a rare break from ball as they are spending a few days at home for Christmas. 

Sophomore defensive end Daelin Hayes will cherish the time at home with his family. 

“I have two little brothers, my mom, and all my cousins come over,” said Hayes. It’s pretty busy, but it’s fun.” 

The 6-foot-3, 258-pounder had a simple request for Christmas, but an important Christmas wish. 

“A win against LSU,” stated Hayes. 

The Irish will report to Orlando on Tuesday to start final preparations the Citrus Bowl matchup against LSU on January 1st.

Notre Dame didn’t get the chance to prepare for a bowl last season, and Hayes is fully embracing the extra practice time to better his game. 

“I have been working on being more consistent and violent with my hands,” explained Hayes. “I always want to be around the football at the end of the play. Those two things have been a huge emphasis these 15 practices and something I want to do against LSU.” 

During the season, the college football world turns away from contact as game week preparations turn towards scheme and installing little tweaks for each opponent. 

The extra prep time for LSU has allowed Notre Dame to be more physical and they took part in an 80-play scrimmage last week. 

“We just scrimmaged on Wednesday, so that’s new,” laughed Hayes. “It was fun. These practices have been intense. It’s going to pay dividends when we play LSU.” 

Another positive for Notre Dame is the lack of classes the last two weeks of practice. There are no exams or projects, and Hayes feels that is a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. 

“You get on the back end of a long season – an emotional season, but also where we go to school, it’s about the wrapping up point of classes,” Hayes said of the last few weeks of the season. “I think guys might have been pre-occupied with class and it probably played a role.” 

For Hayes, it was his first full season of action in quite some time. As a freshman, Hayes got spot playing time, but in 2017, he was a vital part of the defense and showed he could stay healthy for a 12-game season after battling shoulder injuries in high school. 

“I felt pretty good towards the end of the season,” stated Hayes. “I had a couple of things like an ankle and a couple of things with my collarbone. I feel the best I felt all year. I feel good.” 

Hayes also addressed the suspensions of his teammates CJ Holmes, Alizè Mack and Kevin Stepherson. 

“It’s disappointing,” said Hayes. “At the same time, we have to realize those guys are human and everyone makes mistakes. At Notre Dame, we have a high standard. We want our brothers with us, but we understand there are consequences and repercussions for each one of your actions.” 

 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.