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He's Ready: Hayes plans for strong year on defense for Titans
AP File Photo
William Hayes played in eight games for the Titans last season.
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Published: July 18, 2009
The recorded greeting on William Hayes' cell phone says it all about what he plans to do this season for the Tennessee Titans.
Hayes doesn't leave his name on his phone, just his nickname: "Big Play." He hopes to make a lot of those big plays on the defensive line in what will be his second season in the NFL.
Last season Hayes, who is from High Point and starred at Winston-Salem State, did OK as a rookie after being drafted in the fourth round. He hopes that this season will be his breakout season.
"Absolutely, I want to play more and make more of an impact," Hayes said.
Hayes, 24, saw action in eight games last season in a limited role, but what he learned about life in the NFL will hopefully go a long way toward him staying.
When Hayes was playing defensive line at WSSU he roamed around, making play after play. While there was a scheme he had to follow, he was allowed to freelance whenever he wanted.
"In the NFL, there's no freelancing," Hayes said. "You better do what the scheme calls for or you are on the bench."
Hayes also got used to his line coach, Jim Washburn, who criticized Hayes often.
"I know he just wants me to be a better player," Hayes said.
There's a good chance that, when Tennessee's training camp opens later this month, Hayes will get plenty of time to showcase his talent, thanks to some offseason moves along the defensive line. Tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was an All-Pro, left for a $100 million contract with the Redskins. The Titans didn't draft any defensive ends, so veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse will be the mainstays.
However, Jacob Ford and Hayes will likely be featured prominently in Washburn's rotation.
Earlier this summer, Washburn told reporters that Hayes has started to be more of a playmaker because he's not thinking as much.
"He's just playing," Washburn said, "so he's figured that much out."
When Hayes was at WSSU, he dominated so much that all he had to was bull rush on every play and he likely would get to the quarterback. He said that he's learning how to use his hands more to get free from offensive linemen.
There was also a lot of learning off the field for Hayes. He admits to spending more of his money than he probably should have. He did buy a mint-condition 1970 convertible Impala that he calls his dream car.
Hayes has always had big goals and this year he would like to have double-digit figures in sacks. Of course, he'll have to get more playing time but that's something he thinks will come because he's worked hard this summer.
Hayes, 6-3, said he has remained at his weight of about 272 pounds and that speed is still his biggest asset.
There were plenty of big moments for Hayes during his rookie season
In late December against the Steelers he recovered a fumble after rookie Jason Jones and David Thornton hit quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Later, Hayes recorded his first NFL sack against Roethlisberger and finished with three tackles in the game.
However, his best memory is how he did over the long haul.
"To come from a small school and be a fourth-rounder, I was happy to get in there and play and contribute," Hayes said. "But now I want more and I feel like I'm ready to take it up a notch."
One of the things that Hayes and his teammates will be dealing with is the death of Steve McNair, a former quarterback with the Titans who was a near legendary figure in Nashville.
"I got to know him when we were playing in a charity softball game earlier this summer, and he was just such a down-to-earth guy," Hayes said. "That was tough to read about what happened."
When last year's training camp rolled around, Hayes said he was nervous because he didn't know what to expect.
"Now I know what's going on and how to push myself and not get overly tired," Hayes said. "I'm coming into camp in great shape because I've been working out every chance I get."
■ John Dell can be reached at 727-4081 or at jdell@wsjournal.com.
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