Interview: Purdue 2017 WR Commit CJ Hayes having Explosive Season for South Warren

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Anyone familiar with Kentucky high school football is well aware of South Warren High School. The Bowling Green squad is seemingly always in the hunt for a 3A, now, 4A state title and always turns out top next level talent. From the 2013 through the ‘15 seasons, the Spartans have won 38 games dropping just three. During the 2015 campaign, South Warren found the magic posting a perfect 15-0 season. One of the key contributors back to help defend the Spartans title is wide receiver/safety CJ Hayes.

Hayes showed off his superb athletic abilities coming away with an estimated stat line of 25 receptions for 400 yards with seven touchdowns in the air attack while adding four more rushing scores. On defense, he started his junior campaign on a mission picking off four passes, returning two for touchdowns, before opposing offenses took note to go the other way.

Offers came rolling in from schools like Illinois, Army, Miami (OH), Eastern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Appalachian State, Ball State, Marshall, Bowling Green, Ohio, Austin Peay, Coastal Carolina, Western Michigan, Toledo, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee-Martin, and Navy but on June 29 Hayes found his fit for the next level committing to Purdue.

The 6-3, 200 pound, talent is back at it during his senior year making the amazing routine. The Spartans are off to an uncharacteristic start with two losses but like many teams have suffered through some key injuries, one being Hayes himself.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with a health Hayes to get an overview on his season to date while gaining some insight on his behind the scenes growth with the Boilermakers program.

Interview

CJ, you’ve missed two games this season due to injury. What happened?

“I had an AC sprain in my shoulder. My own player hit me on a loose ball. I had my right arm down and he hit my shoulder.”

You are 100 percent healthy now?

“Yes, sir.”

The injury aside, how has your senior year gone for you personally?

“My season is going pretty good so far. I have been consistent. In our last game, I had 9 catches for 190 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions with six tackles and three passes broken up. That was my first game back against a school I live close to. That was a big game for me. I wanted to win that game.”

What are some of the improvements you have made with your game from your junior to senior year?

“During our individual period at school, all we’ve done is work on footwork. I’m trying to get ready for college by getting my footwork down. I’ve been working on getting out of my breaks faster.”

You guys are the defending state champs but are off to a rough start for what you are accustomed to doing. Are you guys coming together in time to make a deep run into the playoffs to defend your title?

“We’re preparing to try to win state again this year. We’ve lost two so far this year. We should not lose anymore unless we beat ourselves. We are not used to losing. We are working on knowing our jobs and trusting our teammates.”

You’ve been playing against varsity level talent since your freshman year in 2013. Who has been the toughest or most talented player you have gone against so far in your high school career?

“I’d say Adrian Middleton, he’s No. 99 for Kentucky now, and Joel Iyiegbuniwe. He is a linebacker at Western Kentucky. Those guys use to kill us when we were on scout team. Now they try to help me out and help me grow as a person. They try to tell me what to expect from college on and off the field.

From another team, Eli Brown. He plays for Kentucky as well. He was a linebacker for East Warren.”

Let’s switch over to recruiting. Have you set your official visit with Purdue yet?

“No, we have not. The first three games home games Purdue had, I went to those games on an unofficial. The other visits will happen, it is just a matter of time when my parents and I can go up there together.”

With all of the exposure you are receiving to the Purdue program, how are you benefiting from all of the unofficial visits?

“It has been great. I’m seeing my future teammates and coaches. I’m in the locker room learning the process and watching them lift in the weight room. It’s fun.”

Have you received any new offers lately?

“No, sir.”

Are you helping recruit players to join you at Purdue?

“Yeah, I helped with Nick Sipes, he’s a QB from California (Villa Park). I’m helping with a safety from De La Salle, I met him last week. Those are the main guys I have been talking to about recruiting.”

CJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior season.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see CJ Hayes’ mid-season highlight reel!

Photo credits: Mrs. Marla Hardcastle; CJ Hayes in action.