Ball-hawking veteran DB who turned Appalachian State into a turnover factory
In the 2018 season, Tae Hayes was a true playmaker for Appalachian State, starting all 13 games, picking off 4 passes, breaking up 7 more, and helping the Mountaineers allow only 8 passing touchdowns all year. His calling card was instincts: he consistently found the ball, finished plays, and brought veteran composure in big moments, backed by a career total of 9 interceptions and 33 passes defended in college. For a team, he fits best as a smart, competitive coverage defender who can change games with anticipation rather than just raw speed.
