Jay Hayes Leaves Notre Dame Program
Notre Dame defensive lineman Jay Hayes will depart the football program and look to find a new school for his fifth season.
Hayes issued a statement on Twitter:
“I just want to thank the University of Notre Dame for the love and support they’ve poured into me. I would like to thank the coaching staff for granting me a release as a graduate transfer. Notre Dame is a special place to grow as a man on and off the field. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve established along with all the guys on the team. It’s nothing but love for ya’ll. I will graduate in May and I’m currently in the process of selecting a new destination for my last year of college. Blessings!
The Brooklyn native has had an up and down career at Notre Dame but really came into his own in 2017. Hayes recorded 27 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack as a senior.
As a freshman, Hayes was set to preserve a year, but injuries forced him into action the final three games of the season. Hayes didn’t play as a sophomore before appearing in 10 games as a junior in 2016.
Hayes finishes his career in South Bend with 39 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and one sack.
The good news is that if they were going to lose a player at any position, strongside defensive end is one spot where they could afford to do so. Khalid Kareem is someone that is on the verge of being a starter and has earned more reps. He’ll get those now and it should only hasten his development.
It also means more reps for Ade Ogundeji and that should be very exciting for Notre Dame fans. His terrific athletic traits are now starting to translate to the field. ISD's Jamie Uyeyama was impressed with how far he has come after watching him in practice last week.
This also means that Jamir Jones should get more opportunities. He was flipping from Drop to End in order to play more and this could mean a more permanent move to End if it gives him more of a chance to see the field.
Two years ago Hayes was inconsistent with every part of his game and people wondered if he would ever make a positive contribution. He ended up rising up to be a starter last season and was someone they could count on as a run defender.
Kareem and Ogundeji are both ready for bigger roles, though. This allows them the opportunity to have those. They both have greater upside as pass rushers as well and because of that, this loss could look a lot more minimal if those two prove capable of disrupting the passer this season.