When Hayes Johnson isn't hunting geese, he's hearing from the nation's top football programs

Hayes Johnson is one the best football players in the entire state of Kentucky. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound junior offensive tackle out of Taylor County is already considered a three-star prospect by the On3 Consensus and is loading up on Power 5 offers. KSR tabbed him to our All-State team earlier this month following a productive season for the Cardinals in Campbellsville, KY.

Johnson’s recruitment is still gaining steam, too. He picked up scholarships in 2022 from the likes of Baylor, Purdue, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Tennessee, and Louisville while also taking a camp visit to Alabama. Kentucky was his very first offer, which he received in June 2021. His future on the gridiron is incredibly bright.

But when he’s not racking up pancakes or fending off would-be pass-rushers, Johnson and his friends distract themselves with good old-fashioned outdoor activities.

During Friday morning’s edition of Kentucky Sports Radio, Johnson called into the show to make a request to those listening and in attendance. But he wasn’t calling about anything to do with football — Johnson was calling in to ask if anyone needed an overpopulation of geese dealt with.

“I was just looking for anybody in the central Kentucky area that has any geese — Canadian geese — we’re big-time hunters for ’em and wondering if anybody wanted some shot and give me a call,” Johnson said on KSR.

For those wondering, yes, goose hunting in Kentucky is currently in season, so Johnson, who runs a goose-hunting service with his friends, was doing some pretty smart marketing. The Taylor County native actually called into the show under his last name “Johnson” and didn’t identify himself as the talented three-star recruit until KSR co-host Ryan Lemond began to put two and two together.

“Wait, aren’t you like one of the best players in the state, right?” KSR host Matt Jones asked.

“Yeah, I reckon,” Johnson replied with a slight chuckle.

Once his identity was revealed, Johnson stuck around to answer some football recruiting questions. As mentioned above, Kentucky was his very first Divison I offer, which came last summer. He’s since kept up with the Wildcats’ coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Zach Yenser, and is hearing from the staff constantly.

“I talk to Coach Yenser almost every day,” Johnson said.

While it’s still early in his process, Kentucky is clearly high on Johnson’s list. Although he did mention schools such as Alabama, Baylor, Tennessee, and Michigan State as others also recruiting him, Johnson had high praise for the ‘Cats and even recalled some of his favorite memories watching UK when he was growing up.

“I love Kentucky,” Johnson said. “I can remember the 2012 (basketball) championship night sitting there watching with my dad. I can remember the Missouri (football) game when Lynn Bowden just went freaking off and we were sitting in the nose bleeds in the piss-pouring rain. I remember when we broke the streak against Tennessee in football.”

Johnson has visited Kentucky multiple times already as a recruit. His relationship with the ‘Cats first began under associate coach Vince Marrow and former offensive line coach Eric Wolford (who is now recruiting Johnson at Alabama). UK hasn’t skipped a beat though with Yenser taking over and Marrow still heavily involved.

Now someone help this kid find a flock of Canadian geese.