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Michigan State Football: Don’t overlook C.J. Hayes at wide receiver

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio watches the action during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) *** Local *** Mark Dantonio
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio watches the action during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) *** Local *** Mark Dantonio /
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There were a couple of standouts during Michigan State’s spring game but one that may have flown under the radar was redshirt freshman C.J. Hayes.

Purdue thought it had itself a steal in the 2017 recruiting class as three-star wide out C.J. Hayes was committed to the Boilermakers just weeks before National Signing Day. Everything changed, though, once Michigan State put in time to reel him to East Lansing.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 takeaways from 2018 spring game

Hayes decided that he wanted to follows his dreams with Michigan State, passing up his pledge with the Boilermakers for a chance to be a Spartan. He would end up redshirting as a true freshman in 2017, but he was a name that was often overlooked when speaking of returning wide outs in 2018.

Because he didn’t play a single live snap in 2017, Hayes didn’t get much attention heading into the 2018 spring game despite being labeled as a “diamond in the rough” out of high school in Bowling Green, Ky.

Now, after a strong showing in the spring game, Hayes has proven he deserves a role in the offense. He and Cam Chambers looked like potential breakout stars at receiver and could help replace both Felton Davis III (senior) and Darrell Stewart Jr. (junior) when they eventually graduate.

Although one spring game is a small sample size, Hayes proved that he’s a guy that cannot be overlooked and he showed flashes of brilliance all evening. He looked like a younger version of Aaron Burbridge — not overly athletic, but strong-bodied with good hands.

No, I’m not saying Hayes isn’t an athlete, but his body frame, route-running and hands set him apart. He has athleticism to add to his game, but that’s not his No. 1 strength.

Next: MSU's projected post-spring game depth chart

With Trishton Jackson and Hunter Rison gone, expect a guy like Hayes to get some valuable reps in the fall and turn into a valuable target for Brian Lewerke and Mark Dantonio. You can’t overlook Hayes in 2018.

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