Running back Justice Hayes (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) is certainly on the Spartans’ radar screen. Hayes attended the Michigan at Michigan State game as a guest of the Spartans.
“That was exciting,” Hayes said. “At the end I didn’t know who was going to win. Michigan came back, then Michigan State pulled it out. That was a very exciting game.”
The 5-foot-10 and 180-pound Hayes is one of the top juniors in the state of Michigan. He has put together back-to-back outstanding seasons. Hayes rushed for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns his sophomore season. He gained 1,400 yards and scored 15 times during his junior season.
Hayes has written scholarship offers from Iowa and Northwestern.
“I’m pretty interested in Northwestern and Iowa,” Hayes said. “I have a high interest in Michigan, too. I know more about them. And I like Michigan State, too.”
In addition to attending the Michigan at Michigan State game, Hayes attended two games at Michigan as well as last weekend’s Penn State at Northwestern game.
“That was an exciting game,” Hayes said. “Northwestern was in the game in the second half. They just couldn’t pull it out. Mistakes cost them the game.”
Hayes’ teammate, senior wide receiver Tony Jones, also attended the Penn State at Northwestern game. Jones committed to the Wildcats in August.
Kurelic’s Comment: While Hayes said the Spartans have not offered a scholarship to this point, I certainly would not be surprised to see him eventually land one. Right now it seems Michigan may have an edge, but it is still very early in the recruiting process.
Bill Kurelic, Spartan Tailgate
Nov. 4, 2009
