Well, in the year 2023, changes in recruiting can happen quickly. And that's certainly the case with 2024 four-star linebacker Adarius Hayes.
On Saturday, Hayes announced his commitment to Florida. His decision comes the day after Notre Dame graduate assistant James Laurinaitis returned to Ohio State for the same position. Laurinaitis was Hayes' primary recruiter from Notre Dame.
I must say, for the first time as a recruiting reporter, this decision caught me off guard. When I spoke to Hayes on Thursday, he was adamant about keeping his recruitment open, dropping a top five and officially visiting those five schools. I was skeptical after Hayes told me he'd be back at Florida this weekend, but he still sounded like no commitment was imminent. Either he fooled me, or his mind changed 24 hours later.
This recruitment was always going to be an uphill climb for the Irish, and it certainly did not get easier after Laurinaitis' departure. Now, Hayes is a Gator.
On Saturday, Hayes announced his commitment to Florida. His decision comes the day after Notre Dame graduate assistant James Laurinaitis returned to Ohio State for the same position. Laurinaitis was Hayes' primary recruiter from Notre Dame.
I must say, for the first time as a recruiting reporter, this decision caught me off guard. When I spoke to Hayes on Thursday, he was adamant about keeping his recruitment open, dropping a top five and officially visiting those five schools. I was skeptical after Hayes told me he'd be back at Florida this weekend, but he still sounded like no commitment was imminent. Either he fooled me, or his mind changed 24 hours later.
This recruitment was always going to be an uphill climb for the Irish, and it certainly did not get easier after Laurinaitis' departure. Now, Hayes is a Gator.
