Jerome Hayes Jr. continues to be one of Bayonne’s most consistent two-way players. At 6’2”, 225 pounds, he brings a rare mix of size, speed, and versatility that makes him stand out on both sides of the ball.

On defense, Hayes is a natural linebacker. He reads plays quickly, flows to the football, and finishes tackles with authority. His instincts are top-tier — proven by his two pick-sixes this season. He closes passing lanes with ease, showcasing strong awareness and reliable hands. In one-on-one tackling situations, he rarely misses.

Offensively, Hayes adds another layer to Bayonne’s attack. He wins in tight coverage, tracks deep balls, and makes contested catches with strong body control. His ability to transition from defense to offense speaks to his athleticism and football IQ.

Currently committed to LIU, Hayes still has more levels to reach. As Bayonne begins its playoff run, expect him to elevate his game even more. His blend of physicality, instincts, and leadership provides him with the tools to excel at the next level.

The son of Bayonne’s head coach Jerome Hayes, Jerome Hayes, Jr. Jerome Hayes, Jr. 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Bayonne | 2026 State NJ is a big-bodied linebacker who plays with a level of physicality and desire you look for in a defender. Good at timing his blitz, Hayes will get through the line more easily as his pad level lowers. Right now, he is big, strong, and strapped enough to out-muscle most. Like a madman, the rising senior does a great job of pursuing the ball to all areas of the field, never giving up on a play, while he also wraps opponents up tighter than a Christmas gift. As a linebacker I would like to see Hayes use his hands to disengage with and take oncoming blockers on with. Similar to Bazile, reading his keys will make Hayes move more effectively at linebacker and allow him to be quicker to flow over the top and/or play down hill. Offensively we have seen him split out side and run fades well. His ability to track the ball vertically well combined with his size advantage over most corners made him exceptional at this. Taking this into consideration and due to his first few steps being a bit slow off the ball, I suspect that Hayes’ collegiate future at Long Island University might be spent either as a tight end or a 4i-type defensive lineman.