Michigan standout is missing link for future running game.
After landing a slew of top offensive linemen early in the 2011 recruiting cycle, Notre Dame finally has a back to run behind them.
Grand Blanc (Mich.) running back
Justice Hayes announced his commitment to the Fighting Irish in a press conference held at his school Friday.
Justice Hayes is the newest member of the Fighting Irish.
Photo by Tom Lemming
He becomes the 13th player from the class of 2011 whom Notre Dame first-year head coach Brian Kelly has landed.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Hayes rushed for 1,295 yards and 12 TDs as a junior, powering the Bobcats to a 9-1 record.
Hayes is No. 59 in the MaxPreps
2011 Top 100 and the No. 2 player in the state of Michigan, trailing only
Renaissance (Detroit, Mich.) linebacker
Lawrence Thomas, a Michigan State commit.
After finishing with only one running back in the 2010 recruiting class, and with Armando Allen and Robert Hughes both set to graduate, the position is an important one for Kelly.
Theo Riddick’s move to wide receiver creates even more room on the Notre Dame depth chart.
Kelly will continue to target others and the position, as Notre Dame remains in the mix for California’s
George Atkinson and New Jersey’s
Savon Huggins.
