Notre Dame Football: 3 unheralded players who’ll become stars in 2020

2. Daelin Hayes, DE, Notre Dame football

Daelin Hayes has a lot to prove. The former four-star recruit from Ann Arbor, Mich., missed most of last season with a torn labrum. He was expected to contribute to a pass rush that featured Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem.

This season, there are a lot of talented, young unproven pass rushers in South Bend. Though Hayes is largely unproven, he is the veteran that has been part of the program. The Ann Arbor-native demonstrates the program works as well.

The outside linebacker turned hybrid defensive end put on nearly 30 pounds since coming to Notre Dame. Now he has to lead this young group of pass rushers who seek to replace the production lost by two NFL players. He’s athletic enough to do it all. He can put his hand on the turf or stand up to get to the quarterback.

With his size, he can drop anchor and string out perimeter running plays. He is even athletic enough to drop into pass coverage.

In today’s game, you need depth with so many teams spreading the field and playing tempo. You also need a player who can set the tone for your rotation. Hayes has all of the tools to be that player for the Irish this season.