This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Aggies announced Monday that they've signed another junior college cornerback. And for this one, they didn't have to look too far.
Bryant Hayes, an all-state performer at the College of San Mateo, is the latest addition for Utah State. A teammate of fellow 2014 signee DeShane Hines, Hayes is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound defensive back who should provide help covering slot receivers.
"They want me to work on size and get bigger and everything, but they like my aggressiveness," Hayes said in an interview with the Tribune. "They want me to come in and play nickel."
Hayes had 17 tackles s a sophomore and had a team-leading four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also had eight pass breakups.
What was frustrating for Hayes is that it took a long time for any offers to come his way. He had none until Utah State came calling, and even that took a little while.
"I was a little bit anxious," he said. "My coach told me if I'm patient, things will come. Everything would come together and it did."
Hayes said he and Hines have talked a bit about coming to Utah State together, although he hadn't discussed roommate arrangements yet.
Hailing from Compton High in California, Hayes said his family has gotten at least as excited as him.
"My mom she was really excited," he said. "I came a long way, you know. She's really happy about it."
Kyle Goonkgoon@sltrib.comTwitter: @kylegoon