Ht: 6-2
Wt: 225
40: 4.6
Position: LB, RB
Projected as: LB
Position Rank: 14 (Ranked 6th out of the many NJ
LBers?)
Class: 2005 Senior
High School: Bayonne HS (Bayonne, NJ)
Bayonne (NJ) linebacker/running back Jerome Hayes is a raw talent with a world of potential. Playing very free in his system, Hayes is able to read and react quickly to plays. He takes on blocks well, and sprints to and through the ball carrier in a crowd. In one-on-one situations, he does break down and tackles easily.
Right off the bat, Jerome has made an impression and impact. Jerome earned all-state and all-county honors as a junior. As a sophomore he earned all-league honors. Jerome is a very physical player with great running abilities, as he played FB in HS as well as
LBer?. He has said repeatedly that he wants to play against and with the best. Competition? Competition is something he has delt with his whole life and fears none of it. Jerome has a great attitude and could make for a great Gator.
Jerome has taken visits to UF, Rutgers, Mich St.,
UMiami?, and might take a last vist to one of Louisville, Michigan, or Penn St.
A positive note: Hayes just got back from his
UMiami? visit (12-17), and said that everyone he has visited is even.
Hayes commented on the coaching changes made at UF. Jerome says that keeping Locksley was and is a positive thing for UF and his recruitment. Also, Jerome feels that not only is Coach Urban Meyer a great hire, but a great coach and guy.
There will be a decision coming soon. More than likely it will come in early January.
UPDATE
In an Interview done by Scout.com's Jamie Newberg, Jerome says that his Final two are The University Of Miami and The University Of Florida. Jerome also said that he will LIKELY make a decision on NSD. This is a MUST GET for the Gators. We REALLY need him. Jerome Hayes - Come On Down.