College Sports
Email
Print
Hayes' start gives WSSU good exposure
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: October 13, 2009
Defensive end William Hayes made his first career NFL start Sunday night for the Tennessee Titans.
It was quite an assignment because the Titans were playing Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Javon Kearse was ruled inactive for the game, which meant that Hayes, who is in his second season from Winston-Salem State, moved up on the depth chart and started on the left side of the defensive line.
The Titans lost 31-9 to fall to 0-5, but Hayes had his most extensive playing time of his career, making two solo tackles and assisting on another.
Hayes has been in on 16 tackles through five games, and has been credited with 11/2 sacks.
Because Hayes started he was able to introduce himself on NBC. All starters get a few seconds to say their names and their alma mater. For Winston-Salem State it was publicity that went out on national television. Hayes is the only former WSSU player in the NFL.
Coach Kermit Blount of the Rams, who watched the game from home, said that Hayes has worked extremely hard.
"To hear him say his alma mater was great and for him to mention Winston-Salem State shows what this place meant to him," Blount said about Hayes, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Titans in 2008. "That's a big deal for all those NFL guys to get to mention their alma maters on national TV."
jdell@wsjournal.com
727-4081
Email
Print
