It has been a long road, but it has finally paid off for Michigan football left tackle Ryan Hayes.
Originally a tight end in his hometown of Traverse City, Hayes was a four-star recruit and a part of the 2018 recruiting class. He was often mentioned by teammates as being the next, great Michigan football offensive tackle. However, he didn’t get his opportunity to shine until 2020.
And that year was cut short due to injuries.
But Hayes was a stalwart on the left side of the offensive line the next two seasons, missing just one game (in 2022) against Rutgers. The five-year player ended up being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft at No. 238.
Hayes followed Jon Runyan Jr. at the left tackle position and took over the role after Runyan was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 NFL draft. With Hayes departing, the Wolverines will likely plug in Arizona State transfer LaDarius Henderson into the left tackle spot, despite him playing guard with the Sun Devils.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]