Colorado landed a significant defensive dedication as Pittsburgh defensive finish Dayon Hayes pledged to the Buffaloes on Sunday. Hayes offers some much-needed assist in the trenches for Deion Sanders’ squad. The Pittsburgh native took over a full-time beginning job for his hometown program in the course of the 2023 season and emerged as a key playmaker.
Hayes led Pittsburgh with 10.5 tackles for loss as an skilled defensive lineman. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 260 kilos, he rated because the No. 20 out there total participant within the switch portal and second-best edge rusher.
Hayes was anticipated to return to Pitt in 2024, however made headlines when he spurned a reportedly strong NIL deal seeking different alternatives.
“It is simply that I do not consider we are able to win now,” Hayes informed the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette. “I consider we [were going to] win video games, however I consider we’re [in] a developmental stage. And I simply can’t try this proper now.”
Hayes joins the Colorado roster as Sanders enters a pivotal season. The Buffaloes improved from one to 4 wins within the NFL Corridor of Famer’s first season on the sidelines however completed with an an identical 1-8 convention file. For sure, Sanders and his employees should make a powerful case that Colorado is able to win now.
Colorado fielded one of many worst defenses in faculty soccer final 12 months, ending backside 10 nationally in each complete and scoring protection. High defensive finish Jordan Domineck notched 12 tackles for loss however is headed to the NFL. The Buffaloes changed coordinators on either side of the ball and in the end changed ex-Alabama assistant Charles Kelly with Cincinnati Bengals safeties coach Robert Livingston.
Touchdown Hayes continues a formidable run of switch success on the line of defense. Hayes reunites with former Pittsburgh teammate Samuel Okunlola, who began the ultimate two video games of the season subsequent to him. Okunlola recorded six tackles for loss and 5 sacks in 11 appearances. Moreover, Houston switch Chidozie Nwankwo, Alabama’s Anquin Barnes and LSU’s Quency Wiggins all add huge our bodies who ought to shortly give the Buffs extra beef up entrance.
Colorado enters a important second in 2024 as this system enters the Massive 12. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, security Shilo Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter may all depart for the 2025 NFL Draft, making this an vital run for Deion Sanders’ squad. The Buffaloes skilled a roster exodus final week, however have shortly moved to draw one of many prime gamers within the portal.
