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Everything changed when Emory Bellard, the head coach of Texas A&M University, unexpectedly noticed Hayes while scouting other players. Bellard's tenacity paid off as he pursued Hayes despite initial communication barriers due to the player's stuttering. After several visits, Hayes finally accepted a scholarship, setting the stage for what would become a remarkable college football career.
At Texas A&M, Hayes’s transformation was nothing short of incredible. Soon recognized for his instinctual game play, he made his mark as an outside linebacker, later moving to safety, where he found his niche. During his senior year, he achieved a staggering eight interceptions, becoming a key player in a defensive unit recognized among the nation's elite.