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Notre Dame Football: 5 potential breakout candidates for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Brandon Wimbush #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up before the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Brandon Wimbush #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish warms up before the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 24: Anthony Nash #83 of the Duke Blue Devils is tripped up by Daelin Hayes #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 24, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Duke defeated Notre Dame 38-35. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 24: Anthony Nash #83 of the Duke Blue Devils is tripped up by Daelin Hayes #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 24, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Duke defeated Notre Dame 38-35. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Former Army All-American defensive lineman Daelin Hayes had an injury-riddled high school career in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was once considering both Michigan and Michigan State for college ball, and was even committed to USC at one point, but chose the Irish because of the fit.

Hayes, though, couldn’t seem to stay healthy, which limited his action on the field throughout high school, but he still drew plenty of hype from recruiting experts. He looked the part of a five-star recruit even though he was just a high-four.

Related Story: Notre Dame Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

After playing minimally as a true freshman in 2016, the former outside linebacker recruit, who has since turned his focus to the defensive line, enters his sophomore season with something to prove. He’s arguably the most physically-gifted lineman on the team and easily the most athletic.

Hayes appeared in all 12 games last season for the Irish, recording 11 total tackles, forcing a fumble and deflecting a pass. He is considered the starting defensive end for the 2017 season and it wouldn’t be all that shocking to see him rotate at linebacker as well. This kid is in for a monster year.

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