William Hayes life and biography

PRO:
William Hayes is in his first full season as a starter at defensive end in 2010 after posting a strong second campaign that saw him collect four sacks and 23 quarterback pressures. The 2008 fourth-round pick features a low center of gravity, natural pass rush instincts and tremendous closing speed.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• In 2009, registered career-highs with 82 tackles, four sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.
• Collected his first career sack by dropping Ben Roethlisberger and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Tony Brown at the Pittsburgh 39-yard line in the Titans’ victory over the Steelers (12/21/08).

TITANS TIDBITS:
• During the past two offseasons, Hayes returned home to High Point, N.C. and visited with the local elementary and high schools to speak with students about the importance of education and goal-setting.
• When Hayes was a senior in high school, he attended a camp that was run by former Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse. Hayes, who admired Kearse as a football player when he was growing up, got to work out with him at the camp and had the chance to learn from him again on the Titans’ defensive front.
• To stay in shape during the offseason in college, Hayes worked at a Coca-Cola plant helping load the distribution trucks.
• Hayes is the first player from Winston-Salem State to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1996 when the Atlanta Falcons drafted running back Richard Huntley.
• Hayes is very thankful for his family and credits their support as one of the main reasons he was drafted in the NFL. Hayes’ father, Robert, was his football coach growing up all the way until high school.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The High Point, N.C., native was selected by the Titans in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE:
• As a senior at Winston-Salem State, started 11 games at defensive end and ranked second on the team with 78 tackles. Named a co-captain for the defense and recorded a team-best 19 tackles for loss, setting his opponents back 104 yards. Tallied a team-high 8.5 sacks and forced a team-best seven fumbles, while hurrying opposing quarterbacks 12 times and breaking up three passes.
• Became the school’s second All-American since the Rams moved to the Football Championship Subdivision from the Division II level in 2006. He also set a school record while leading the FCS ranks with two touchdowns on four fumble recoveries.
• As a junior, became one of the team’s top defensive players, seeing action in all 11 games with nine starts at defensive end. Finished the season ranked fourth on the team with 57 tackles (25 solo). Led the team with 6.5 sacks and notched 13 tackles for a loss, an interception, four passes defensed, two quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries.
• In 2005, appeared in just three games for the Rams, starting two contests at outside linebacker. Season was cut short because of a knee injury suffered against Virginia Union.
• As a freshman, saw action in five games with two starts at defensive end. Recorded eight total tackles, a tackle for a loss of one yard and a pass defensed.
• Majored in sports management at Winston-Salem State.

PERSONAL:

• Has a girlfriend Candace Humphrey, and splits time between Nashville and High Point, N.C.
• Attended High Point Andrews High School where he was a member of the Raiders’ Mid State 2A Conference Championship team in 2003. Played defensive end, linebacker and tight end during his high school career.
• Also played basketball and wrestling during his high school tenure. Placed second in the state in the 215-pound division as a senior.
• Nicknamed Sea Breeze in high school because “I guess I was so smooth.”
• Enjoys both fresh-water and salt-water fishing and is active in Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
• List of favorites: (movies) “Remember the Titans” and “Scarface”; (TV Show) “Martin”; (actor) Denzel Washington; (school subject) math; (car) BMW; (video game) “Madden”; (food) chicken alfredo; (sports hero) Michael Jordan; (pro sports teams) San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans.
• Born William Quintin Hayes, the son of Robert and Vivian Hayes, on May 2, 1985 in High Point, N.C.

Read more