Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

New Michigan Man: OT Ryan Hayes Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

Even after signing 3-4 offensive tackles in the 2017 class, the Michigan coaching staff needed a couple legit tackle prospects in this class. And, for the second time in a week, they’ve landed a four star, in-state tackle as 2018 Traverse City West (MI) OT Ryan Hayes has committed to Michigan.

Scouting Report 

Hayes, like fellow commit OT Jalen Mayfield, is one of the most athletic tackle prospects in this class. But, like Mayfield, he’s a definite project. His length and athleticism shows off what he could be as he sees a lot of time at tight end at the high school level. And that’s where me may see the start of his collegiate career. He could be a legit blocking tight end/6th lineman as he puts more mass on in the cafeteria and weight room. Once he fills out, his ceiling is through the roof. His high school coach told TMI’s Sam Webb that Hayes is a “carbon copy” of current Cincinnati Bengals tackle, former Oregon and TC West tackle, and former Michigan commit, Jake Fisher ($).

Big framed high school tight end who will project to tight end at the next level. Very good athlete, a three-sport athlete who is coordinated, has good balance and flexibility. Used as a blocker as a tight end, so he has experience in the run game and does well in that aspect. Must learn to play tackle and continue to add weight and strength to play left tackle in the future, but has a very high ceiling as a tackle.” – via Scout

Recruitment 

Thanks to his lack of tape and potential over production, Hayes wasn’t really on Michigan’s radar until Greg Frey joined the coaching staff. Frey, who’s known for his ability to take rawer offensive line prospects and turn them into NFL draft picks, was a big selling point to Hayes. He told 247Sports Steve Wiltfong, who broke the commitment, that it was his first trip to Michigan that sealed the deal ($). After that visit, it was reported that the Wolverines made a huge move up Hayes’ list after that trip thanks to Frey and the total package that UM has to offer. That is what led me to put in my Crystal Ball. And that feeling never waved from his visit up until his commitment on Memorial Day weekend.

  • Height: 6’7”
  • Weight: 255lbs
  • Hometown (School): Traverse City, MI (Traverse City West)
  • Notable Offers: Notre Dame, Michigan State, Cal, Minnesota, Kentucky
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #262 overall) – Rivals (3*, #49 OT) – 247 (4*, #102 overall) – ESPN (4*, #30 OT)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #205 overall, #17 OT, #3 in Michigan

Highlights/Interviews 


As for the Rest of the Class 

Hayes is the 10th overall commitment in this class, the 3rd offensive line commitment and the 3rd commitment out of Michigan. With him on board, the staff has their top three in-state targets and they may end up being the only in-state additions to this class as the staff doesn’t look to be targeting anyone else, that includes #1 ranked OG Marquan McCall or #2 ranked CB Kalon Gervin. As for the offensive line targets, OT Daniel Faalele, OT Jerome Carvin and McCall (if the staff wants to push for him) look to be the the most realistic names on the board. Though, it wouldn’t be much of a shocker if the staff just wrapped things up with the Hayes, Mayfield and Emil Ekiyor with such few spots remaining in the class and after UM signed at least 5-7 OL recruits in 2017.

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw
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