FSU LB Geno Hayes To Enter The NFL Draft

SRW · Jan 11, 2008

Hayes to leave FSU, enter 2008 NFL Draft

FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has seen his share of talented linebackers over the years - maybe too talented.

Junior standout Geno Hayes announced Wednesday morning that he will forego his last season of eligibility and follow FSU's notorious NFL pipeline to the 2008 draft. With the decision, Hayes becomes the third Seminole linebacker in as many years to leave early for the NFL, following former FSU greats Lawrence Timmons and Ernie Sims.

"This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make," Hayes said in a statement released by FSU sports information.

"I would first like to thank Coach (Bobby) Bowden and Coach (Chuck) Amato and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me all the tools I needed to become a great football player. I would also like to thank my teammates, fellow FSU students and fans for supporting me and, most of all, my family for always showing me love, guidance and support."

A two-year starter for the 'Noles, Hayes finished the 2007-2008 season as Florida State's second-leading tackler with 80 total, including 17.5 tackles-for-loss and five sacks. Hayes announced his decision officially Wednesday after the junior had not yet enrolled in spring classes.

At 6 feet 2 inches and 218 pounds, Hayes' numbers are almost identical to those of Timmons last season who was selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft with the Pittsburgh Steelers' 15th overall selection.

"It doesn't surprise me that Geno decided to go to the NFL," Bowden said, also in a statement released by the university. "I know he has the ability to play at that level. It is just a matter of time. I wish him the best of luck. We will miss him."

The 'Noles also face the possibility of losing junior defensive tackle Letroy Guion who is also considering leaving a year early for the NFL. According to several sources, as of Wednesday morning Guion had not yet returned to school.

Rising junior Marcus Ball was Hayes' backup at weakside linebacker this past season and would likely figure into a starting rotation next year that will include senior Derek Nicholson in the middle and junior Dekoda Watson at strongside linebacker in the Seminoles' 4-3 defensive scheme.

However, neither 2006-2007 starter Watson or second-string option Ball traveled with the team to the Music City Bowl in Nashville, leaving their status for the start of next season uncertain and possibly opening the depth-chart doors for freshman newcomers Nigel Bradham and Vincent Williams. Both freshmen enrolled early this week and will participate in spring practice.

While Hayes doesn't currently have the hype that players like Timmons and Sims had going into the draft, his size and speed make him an intriguing NFL project.

If anything, FSU's reputation and the success of Seminoles in the past can only help Hayes' stock, as Sims for example led the Detroit Lions with 134 total tackles and 97 solo stops in just his second season in the league.
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FSU LB Geno Hayes To Enter The NFL Draft

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FSU LB Geno Hayes To Enter The NFL Draft

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