Jaren Hayes: Answering The Call

Nov. 17, 2005

By Justin Rose, MSU Sports Information

For the past four years the Michigan State football team has had a player who defines what it is to be on a team. Jaren Hayes is that player. Hayes has grown not only as a player but as a person through the years. His selfless behavior on the field, his silent leadership and love for him team has made him one of MSU's most valuable assets.

Hayes came to MSU as an offensive threat, which he lived up to in his first two seasons as one of the top running backs, but when the team called for help, Hayes was there for the rescue. Before his junior season Hayes was given the opportunity to move from offense to the defensive backfield, which is no easy move. But Hayes took the challenge head on, gave up the glory of running the ball for the guts to play tough defense.

Hayes sat down for an interview at practice the week before the Penn State game and provided a glimpse of his career.

Q: How did your recruiting go?

A: "It went pretty good, I came here for a camp when I was a junior in high school and things went really well and they decided to give me an offer. A couple other schools were interested, but Michigan State was at the top of my list."

Q: How has playing football for MSU changed your life?

A: "Dramatically. I got the opportunity to meet different people, I got to meet great alumni who played here and have fun with it. It's been a pretty amazing experience."

Q: As a senior your experience automatically gives you some leadership, how do you help get the younger players ready to play?

A: "I'm kind of a silent leader, I'm not really outspoken, and I let my play on the practice field show. I'll pull a couple of guys off to the side and tell them how great of a job they are doing and I want them to see how hard I practice and so they can see how to prepare for a game."

Q: After being on offense your first two years, what made you decide to play on the defensive side of the ball?

A: "I just wanted to help the team, I'm a team guy and they said that I would help them over on defense so I took it and ran with it."

Q: What has Coach John L. Smith done for your game?

A: "He gave me confidence; he had me believing in myself. Going from offense to defense is kind of a big change, I needed a lot of motivation and he did that for me."

Q: Is there any difference in the mental part of the game between offense and defense?

A: "Yes, there is a huge difference. I have to know the formations and stuff like that and I have to have a lot of confidence out there especially for my position. It's a really different mindset."

Q: How great of an experience has it been to play football for Michigan State?

A: "It's been a great experience. I've met a lot of cool people. I love all my teammates, it's like a bond, it's like a family.

Q: If you could describe this year's team, how would you do it?

A: "Fighters, we fight and we don't give up, we just keep grinding."