Central Michigan University Athletics
Hayes Took Long Road To CMU
11/17/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 17, 2000
Jason Hayes' road to earning a scholarship on Central Michigan's football team has been long and hard.
He was talking to Ferris State about becoming a Bulldog during his senior year at Pine River High before Uncle Sam came calling. Jason had already signed a contract with the Marines to join the reserve corps that meant he would miss the entire first season at FSU.
"I was shipped off to San Diego for boot camp two days after high school graduation and didn't get back until late September," said Jason.
Upon his return from boot camp, Jason had re-prioritized his life and decided not to go to FSU.
"I was thinking more about where I would like to get my education from more than whether or not I would be able to play football," explained Hayes.
Jason came to Central Michigan in the fall of 1996 and was encouraged by his friends to tryout for the football team. He went to the spring tryouts and made a big enough impression to be asked to return in the fall.
"I did well enough in the tryouts to become a prospective special teams player," said Jason.
Hayes entered the fall practices hoping to earn a spot as a defensive back but learned quickly that there was more to it than just making the team.
"I was lost at first," explained Jason. "Because I wasn't a scholarship player, I didn't get to work with the team all summer. I worked as hard as I could in the fall and it got me noticed."
Jason's dedication and excellent work ethic earned him a spot on the special teams where he saw action in every game during his freshman season.
In his second season in Maroon and Gold, a new defensive coordinator was brought in and with the change of coach brought a change of position for Jason. The new coach wanted a faster defense so Hayes was moved from cornerback to linebacker where he began to see more reps in practice and began to learn the defensive schemes.
With his new found role on the defense, Jason had hoped of getting a scholarship in his junior season.
"I was always hounding coach (Dick) Flynn for a scholarship and he said that when I was more of a factor on defense he would get me one," said Jason.
During his junior year, Flynn had promised Jason a well-earned scholarship for his senior season. When new coach Mike DeBord was brought in Jason's future was unknown.
"I was really worried because I had finally earned the respect of coach Flynn and now I had to work so hard to impress a new coach again," explained Jason. "I am thankful that it all worked out and I finally got a scholarship."
Jason is a mechanical engineering major who plans on graduating this spring. "I want to thank my parents and especially my mom for giving me such great support through all the years," said Jason.
by Caleb Buhs, Sports Information Assistant
