Daelin Hayes Named A Preseason All-American

Notre Dame defensive end Daelin Hayes was named a second-team All-American by Street & Smith's

Bryan Driskell | Jun 15, 2020

Notre Dame fifth-year senior end Daelin Hayes has been a long-time member of the Irish defensive line rotation, and the veteran is being projected to have a breakout final campaign.

Street & Smith's College Football Preview named Hayes a preseason second-team All-American in its season preview magazine.

Hayes was expected to end his Irish career last fall, but a shoulder injury against Virginia cost him the remainder of the season and allowed him to gain an additional season of eligibility.

The Michigan native enters the 2020 season with 78 career tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He was on pace for double-digit tackles for loss before going down with an injury last season.

In a rotation with Julian Okwara the two previous seasons, Hayes now takes over the Vyper position (drop end). The 6-4, 266-pound end is an outstanding all around player that thrives against the run and is highly effective when asked to drop in coverage.

To become an All-American in 2020, however, Hayes will need to improve his ability to get after the quarterback. The tools are there, but it's time for him to turn his immense talent and potential into production.

Hayes will get an opportunity to be on the field with several other talented defensive linemen. Three of Notre Dame's opponents in 2020 also had Street & Smith's preseason All-Americans. Pittsburgh defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman was named to the first-team, while Wake Forest end Carlos Basham Jr. and USC defensive tackle Jay Tufele were on the second team with Hayes.

Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis was named a second-team All-American in the preseason by Athlon Sports. Duke defensive end Chris Rumph III was named the nation's sixth best end by Lindy's Sports and Clemson's Xavier Thomas was ranked seventh.

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Published Jun 15, 2020

BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter