Florida lands another elite 2024 linebacker in Adarius Hayes
Last summer, Gators legacy Myles Graham kicked Florida’s 2024 recruiting class into gear by making a commitment. He is an Under Armour All-American and one of the elite linebackers in his class.
Now, the Gators have landed another highly-regarded junior linebacker in Adarius Hayes. Like Graham, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Hayes is a top-100 prospect and an Under Armour All-American. He is a lifelong Gators fan who simply found no reason to wait any longer.
On Aug. 30, I turned to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine to submit a prediction for the Gators.
Representing Largo (Fla.) High, Hayes visited the Gators a handful of times in 2022 and attended back-to-back junior days to kick off 2023 as well.
While Hayes can also turn heads at EDGE, inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman serves as his lead recruiter. The Gators extended a scholarship offer just days after Billy Napier’s arrival in Gainesville.
“It was the plan the whole time. I’m blessed to be a Gator. Go Gators,” Hayes told GO’s Pat O’Donnell after committing. “I’ll be a MIKE only. They said I’ll just be a middle linebacker and come off the edge more on third down. Basically, I would be like Amari Burney/Ventrell Miller.”
With the addition of Hayes, Bateman and the Gators are now equipped with an elite duo at linebacker. Speaking of Bateman, he played a major role in Hayes’ decision to become a Gator.
“He played a huge factor and it’s a blessing to have this opportunity. Go Gators. I’m happy,” Hayes said.
According to the On3 Consensus. a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Hayes ranks as the No. 6 linebacker and No. 55 prospect regardless of position. He is a top-15 prospect in the Sunshine State as well.
In addition to the Gators, Hayes has earned offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Michigan among many others.
Scouting Report on Hayes
Inside linebacker prospect who is an excellent processor and has a quick trigger. Possesses stopping power when meeting ball carriers in the hole.
Quality free blitzer from the inside backer position or off the edge. Has some tightness in his hips and can get stuck in quicksand a bit when changing direction.
One of the older prospects in the 2024 recruiting cycle. — On3 Rankings Assistant Cody Bellaire
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