Georgia Football: Jay Hayes could be a difference maker
The Graduate Transfer from Notre Dame showed us all last season that he could be a big part of the 2018 UGA season.
When Jay Hayes arrived in Athens, I have to admit, I didn’t really notice. Like a lot of Georgia Football fans I was so distracted with the incredible 2018 recruiting class. But despite all of those 5-stars, this transfer might end up being the guy who matters the most in 2018.
Hayes put together a very solid outing against Georgia last season. He was a part of a Notre Dame defensive line that did a solid job against UGA’s running backs. He accounted for 7 tackles that game and surely impressed his new coaches. Hayes is not a huge pass rusher, accounting for just one sack last season. However, he is a solid player when it comes to stopping the run and eating up space. That’s a role that Georgia will look to use him in 2018.
With John Atkins now departed, Hayes will fill and important role for the Dawgs. He will likely rotate into the nose and 3-technique spot depending on the formation. If UGA are going heavy against the Run, he could be great at the 3 and he and Julian Rochester would take up a lot of blocks. He’ll bring some pass rush potential to the nose spot as well on clear passing downs.
Why should we expect an impact from Hayes? First of all because he had one at his previous school. Notre Dame isn’t exactly JUCO and Hayes was a force this past season. He’s also a guy who transferred for one final year. Georgia has had really good success with those guys since Kirby Smart arrived.
Smart Smart by no means targets a lot of these guys. In 2016 it was Mo Smith, last year it was punter Cam Nizelick. Both of those guys had big impacts however and made the most of their year in Athens. It’s clear to me that Hayes could well do the same and if he does, we’ll once again be reminded of just how good Kirby is at managing his roster.