Kentucky Football Countdown: No. 99 Josaih Hayes

KSR is counting down to the 2022 Kentucky football season by profiling each player on the roster. After starting with Kavosiey Smoke, let’s head into the trenches to shine some light on Josaih Hayes. A defensive lineman we often overlook, he could play a significant role on the UK defense this fall.

About Hayes

A 6-foot-3, 315-pound third year nose guard for the Wildcats, Hayes is one of the biggest signing day surprises in the Mark Stoops era. A top 200 prospect as the Early Signing Period approached in December of 2019, almost every major recruiting service predicted Hayes would remain in Mississippi and join Lane Kiffen’s inaugural recruiting class. The popular coach had all of the momentum in the world, until Jon Sumrall pulled out the rug from beneath his feet when Hayes signed with Kentucky.

https://t.co/WgsIYJ25zU pic.twitter.com/yqZ7aP5wjk

— Jon Sumrall (@CoachJonSumrall) December 18, 2019

A native of Horn Lake, Mississippi, as a junior he helped his school win their first 6A title. Considered the second-best prospect from the state of Mississippi in the 2020 recruiting class, he concluded his prep career in the prestigious Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game.

Hayes’ Career Highlights

As a true freshman Hayes entered into the rotation with Marquan McCall when Quinton Bohanna was sidelined with an injury for five weeks. He held his own against SEC opponents and recorded a pair of tackles.

In 2021 Hayes played in every single game, recording his first career start vs. Vanderbilt. He totaled 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Hayes recorded his first career sack with his family in the stands at Davis Wade Stadium against Mississippi State.

Josaih Hayes Fun Fact

His nickname is “Pooh.” The More You Know.

2022 Forecast

When discussing the talented group of defensive lineman from the 2020 recruiting class, most of the attention immediately goes to Justin Rogers. The former five-star recruit has first round potential, potential Hayes can help Rogers reach.

The starting nose guard position is up for grabs. Even though each will rotate in and play significant snaps, the competition at the spot should make each player better. Of the two players, Hayes has a little more wiggle in the pass rush. Kentucky ranked ninth in the SEC in sacks last season, a number that must improve this fall. There’s talent on the edge, but Brad White cannot call in the dogs on every obvious passing situation. Kentucky must be able to produce a natural pass rush by rushing four. Hayes’s ability to provide consistent pressure from the interior of the defensive line can take this defense to the next level in 2022.