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Name: Alexander Malik Hayes
Position: Offensive line
Year: Freshman
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 315
Hometown: Ellenwood, GA
High School: Tucker High School
2012 Stats: As a senior, Hayes blocked for an offense that produced 3,195 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns. Good sign.
2013 Projections: Bad news for Hayes is that there a lot of big bodies ahead of him on the depth chart. The good news is that many of them aren't that much farther ahead of him. He may work his way into some special teams/mop-up duty.
How'd He Get Here?: Alex reportedly has offers from Wake Forest, Tulane, Central Florida, Georgia State and Alabama State. He told Orange Fizz that he "hated the heat" of Georgia. Enter Syracuse...
Scout/Rivals Said: Two stars across the board.
Money Quote: "I’m overwhelmed with joy. The ACC play is a big, a big part in why I am making my decision. Syracuse football has always been known, but it hasn’t ever been talked about in the top (ranks). Everybody talks about the SEC. Well I think with me and the guys coming in, and the guys that are already here, we can make a big impact and take this program to a new horizon."
Links O'Wonder: More good quotes from Alex in this Orange Fizz recap.
Tweets of Wonder:
It aint over til the fat lady sing.!
— ALLEYBOY (@_alexhayes75) June 19, 2013
What Does Shafer Think: Shafe's a big fan of his golf game...
"Alex is a real smart kid who has a good feel for the game. He’s got good feet. He’s also like an 11 handicap on the golf course – the first O-lineman I’ve ever heard of who can play golf."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Hayes was the one who let it slip that Pat Perles was our new O-line coach.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: