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Michigan State Recruiting: C.J. Hayes’ path to becoming a Spartan

By Stephen Robb

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; General view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on field prior to a game against Western Michigan at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; General view of Michigan State Spartans helmet on field prior to a game against Western Michigan at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State recruiting added a talented wide receiver late in the 2017 cycle in C.J. Hayes, but he knew that’s where he wanted to be all along.

Three-star wide out C.J. Hayes was a late addition to the Michigan State recruiting class of 2017 and previously committed to Purdue. However, he knew in his heard that wanted to be a Spartan.

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The decision to flip from Purdue to Michigan State was not made lightly by Hayes. He and his family struggled with the decision and spent hours going back and forth. They prayed one night for God to guide the decision on where to commit. Hayes and his family were torn as they wrestled with which college would be the correct decision.

Hayes went to bed late and got up at 5:30 a.m. for more discussions. He was still unsure when the door bell rang, it was a package from Michigan State. It was the National Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Spartans. In that moment Hayes knew and began shouting “Go Green!” His dad reminded him that they had prayed specifically for God to guide the decision and then that package arrived. The answer was made clear and Hayes committed to MSU.

One of aspects that drew the three-star wide out to Michigan State was the fact that the coaching staff had been together for a long time. He enjoyed the feel of East Lansing and the pro-style offense that the Spartans operate.

Also, his dad has an aunt that lives in Detroit, making it a family connection as well. For Mark Dantonio, it’s always about fit and chemistry and after speaking with Hayes, he mentioned that he’s excited to finally put on the Green and White.

In his own eyes, his biggest obstacle is his speed with a 4.57 40-yard dash, which is still excellent for a big-bodied receiver. His goal is to get down to a 4.4 however Jerry Rice ran a 4.71 40-time at his NFL Combine, so there’s no need to truly worry about that.

Hayes has superb game speed and routinely left the opposition in the dust. He trains four days a week and also takes yoga classes, which should enhance his flexibility for those sideline catches.

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Fitting the ‘Spartan Dawg’ mold, he’s a hard worker and sets his personal bar high. I would not be surprised if he saw game action in the fall.

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