Dayon Hayes

Hayes was the Pittsburgh’s City League's most heralded recruit over the past two decades. While at Westinghouse, he received more than 25 scholarship offers, racking up 23.5 sacks as a senior and an astounding 49.5 sacks total over his last two seasons. He was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22, and was rated the #3 prospect in PA by Rivals his senior year. After sifting through all his offers Hayes decided to stay home and play for Pitt. As a freshman in 2020, Hayes played a reserve role in 5 games but still managed 2.5 sacks in his limited time. In 2021, Hayes, still a reserve, played in all 14 games and had 2 sacks including a big one in the ACC Championship game against Wake Forest. The 2022 season saw Hayes become a rotational player for the Panthers. He missed 4 games due to a knee injury, but still set career highs in sacks with 3.5. In November, Hayes was charged with simple assault, but the charges were later withdrawn. In 2023, Hayes played 12 games and collected 45 tackles, 10.5 TFL, and 4 sacks.