4-star LB Adarius Hayes signs with Miami after flipping commitment from Florida
For over 11 months, Largo (Fla.) four-star linebacker Adarius Hayes had been committed to the Florida Gators, but a late push from Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and his staff was successful, as the coveted defender has now signed with the Hurricanes.
On Wednesday, Hayes, who is the No. 80 overall prospect and the No. 7 linebacker in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, chose Miami over the in-state rival Gators after taking his official visit to Coral Gables last weekend.
Despite twice shutting down his recruitment, the Hurricanes remained persistent with the 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker, which in the end paid off with the program landing his commitment and signature.
Throughout Hayes’ recruiting process, Miami linebacker coach Derek Nicholson played a vital role as his primary recruiter.
Hayes now joins Theodore (Ala.) three-star Miami commit Cam Pruitt as the second linebacker in the Hurricanes top-10 2024 recruiting class.
As a senior, Hayes racked up 108 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. In his high school career, Hayes totaled 389 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions in 41 games.
Hayes’ On3 scouting reports read, “Physical inside linebacker at his best as a downhill run stopper. Has a taller stature at around 6-foot-3 and has added considerable mass over his high school career. Has unverified weight, but looks to be closer to the 220 mark than his previous verified 210 pounds. A prolific tackler, racking up over 375 stops in his high school career. Quick processor and shows a quick trigger when moving downhill. Seeks out contact and looks to detonate on defenders. More than willing to throw his body around. Stops ball carriers in their tracks when they meet in the hole. Plays with a level of violence. Also effective as a blitzer. Has some tightness in his hips and can improve his overall athleticism and ability to play in space. Lacks verified athletic markers. Older for the cycle, turning 19 years old in November of his senior year.”
CaneSport’s take
After parting ways with Miami Central three-star Vincent Shavers, Miami hit big, landing Hayes, who is one of the top linebackers in the 2024 class. Hayes will join a young Miami linebacker core under Nicholson that has the potential to become one of the strongest position groups on the team. This was just another example of how the relentless recruitment by Mario Cristobal & Co. paid off in a big way.
