Appalachian State bags second 2018 commit of the week in three star Linebacker Zareon Hayes

After landing a three star tight end last Sunday and making a late 2017 addition on Saturday, Appalachian State grew its Rock Squad again on Sunday with three star outside linebacker Zareon Hayes’ commit.

Hayes chose App State after receiving an offer two days after visiting Boone in May. He chose the Mountaineers over offers from Georgia State, Old Dominion and Purdue, among three others.

Hayes, at 6’2” 214 lbs, is an iron man athlete at Dillon High School in Dillion, South Carolina. Hayes plays both quarterback and linebacker for a team that fell just a few points shy of a 3A state championship in 2016.

Recruited for his ability on defense, Hayes can line up anywhere inside the box and wreak havoc in the backfield. He displays excellent field vision, seeing the hole before it opens up and meeting ball carrier in the gap. Hayes also uses his upper body strength well and avoids arm tackles in the open field. While lacking in quickness, his top-notch play recognition has more than made up for it thus far. Hayes fits into App State’s 3-4 defense as its prototypical edge-rushing linebacker and has the potential to grow into an every down player.

Hayes’ recruiting has heated up recently with offers coming in from Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State. While the Hokies have not offered yet, Hayes has taken multiple visits to Virginia Tech. If Hayes can replicate his uber-productive junior season this year, the Mountaineers’ coaching staff will need to stave off several poachers until signing day.