If it wasn’t for the play of Patterson, this senior wideout would have been the game MVP as Hayes, Jr set a Blue Cross Bowl receiving record by hauling in 15 passes for 260 yards and 1 touchdown. Nobody from the Lions secondary could handle the Cats pass catcher. Hayes, Jr got open with ease then used his athleticism and speed to create yards after the catch. Throughout the playoffs, Hayes, Jr has been on another level, showing why he is one of the best available offensive prospects left from our #TN2025 class.

Over the 2nd half of the season, Hayes has been near unstoppable and one of the better playmakers coming out of the Mid-TN region. During the first matchup against CPA, Hayes showed that he could work over the Lions secondary. His explosive style of play will be needed in this contest as this future college wideout has the talent to do some damage versus a solid Lions secondary.

Going into the 2024 season, Hayes was already a Top 100 prospect but after a strong senior season and plenty of scouting, this Mid-Tennessee prospect jumped into our Top 60 players and sits as one of the best available offensive prospects remaining. Where I saw improvement with Hayes was with his speed but also the route tree where the Wildcats receiver enhanced his route running significantly. He also packed on some muscle that allowed Hayes to take hits and continue pushing down field. I really like the upside here with Hayes and what he can do on the collegiate stage. He is still coming into own, so the best football days are certainly ahead for this Mid-Tennessee product.

It took a minute for Hayes to show up in this contest but when he did, his presence was certainly known. Playing both ways for his Wildcats team, Hayes, Jr had a stellar opening game as Marable’s go-to guy where he produced 7 rec. for 157 yards and 2 touchdown’s on the night. Ranked as a top ten wideout by #PRZTN, this Mid-Tennessee playmaker has yet to find his college home but continued performances like this will not only boost his stock but put bigger schools on his radar.