Brandon Hayes set the tone early for Oak Grove last Friday night against Wayne County. On the first play of the game, the junior wide receiver made his presence felt.
“He [Hayes] catches a little what I call a ‘nothing route’. Just kind of turn around and stand there,” recalled Warrior coach Drew Causey. “He catches it and makes one guy miss and beats everybody up the sideline.”
In Oak Grove’s 41-19 win over Wayne County, Hayes finished with eight catches for 187 yards and three touchdowns. For his efforts, he has been named our Week 2 Sports601 Hattiesburg Player of the Week.
“He had a fabulous game,” said Causey. “And he really only played a half.”
A day later, Causey sent Hayes’ film from the game to about 15 college coaches. After about an hour had passed, Louisiana-Lafayette assistant coach D.J. Looney called Causey back, and just like that, Hayes had his first scholarship offer.
“I was shocked at first,” said Hayes, who is also a track star at Oak Grove.
Whether on a track or a football field, it’s his speed that sets him apart from the rest.
“I feel like nobody can keep up with me,” said Hayes.
According to Causey, one day after a full practice and conditioning, Hayes raced one of his teammates in a 40-yard dash and was handheld clocked at a 4.42. He also won the race.
“That was after practice and after conditioning was over with, and he still was able to run that kind of time,” said Causey. “He’s one of those guys that doesn’t seem to get tired.”
With Kevin Barnett injured and out at least the first half of the season, Hayes has had to step up and be the team’s top option at receiver. That pressure doesn’t seem to faze him in the slightest.
“Once K.B. went down, I just started working a lot harder because I knew somebody was going to have to pick up the slack,” said Hayes.
Added Causey, “He’s done everything and more than we’ve asked him to do. I couldn’t be more proud and happy for him for the strides he’s made this year.”
He and the Warriors (2-0) will be back in action this Friday night at Laurel (1-1).
