Ten Reasons Pittsburgh's Gerald Hayes is an All-American

11/7/2002

Read on to see why the senior linebacker is one of the nation's elite defensive performers. You can view Hayes' All-America promotional flier in PDF format here as well.

Hayes All-America

Gerald Hayes leads Pittsburgh's nationally ranked defensive unit.

Ten Reasons Gerald Hayes is an All-American

Hayes is the heart and soul of one of the nation?s most devastating defenses. Pittsburgh ranks eighth in total defense, yielding just 276 yards per game. The Panthers rank in the top 25 of eight different national categories.

ESPN?s Mel Kiper calls Hayes ?the best middle linebacker in college football? and ?one of the elite defensive players in the entire nation.? Kiper has Hayes ranked as the No. 11 senior prospect for this year's draft.

With every game, from coast-to-coast, Hayes has impressed. Says NBC?s Pat Haden "I have watched Gerald Hayes for the past two years play at an incredibly high level for the University of Pittsburgh. He combines great instincts with raw power and an apparent love for the game that makes him very unique. Without question, he is one of the best linebackers in the country."

Hayes is closing in on his third consecutive 100-tackle season. Through nine games he has a team-high 85 total stops. He will become the first Pittsburgh defender in 14 years to achieve three consecutive 100-tackle seasons.

Pittsburgh is one of the biggest surprise teams in all of college football. The Panthers are 7-2 after their upset of No.3 Virginia Tech on Nov. 2.

The Panthers are in the national polls for the first time since 1991. Hayes has helped Pittsburgh break into the Top 25 for the first time in 11 seasons.

Hayes is ?a pain.? When asked which defensive player in the Big East is his biggest pain, West Virginia?s Avon Cobourne, one of the nation?s leading rushers, said: ?Gerald Hayes, the linebacker from Pitt. He?s big. Pretty good.?

TFY Draft Preview describes Hayes as a player who ?explodes onto the scene, displaying pursuit skills, viciously attacking opposing ball carriers.? It is an apt description of Hayes? playing style over the last four seasons.

Hayes is on track to become the first three-time All-Big East Conference linebacker in Pittsburgh history. He has earned All-Big East each of the last two years and has his sights set on higher honors this year.

Hayes has Pittsburgh bowling. The Panthers have gone to bowl games each year Hayes has been a starter. They are headed for their third consecutive postseason berth, a feat Pittsburgh has not accomplished since going to nine straight bowls from 1975-83.

Ten Reasons Pittsburgh's Gerald Hayes is an All-American

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