Signed: Dallan Hayden helps to solidify the future of Ohio State backfield
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2022 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Dallan Hayden has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Tony Alford and the Buckeye backfield have added yet another big piece as Dallan Hayden has officially signed with Ohio State.
After signing a pair of the nation’s top backs in the 2021 class, the Buckeyes looked to bring in another great one for the current recruiting cycle. The reigning two-time Mr. Football in the state of Tennessee will now head to Columbus.
What does this addition do for Ohio State? Let’s break it down.
Who is Dallan Hayden?
Dallan Hayden is a 5-foot-11, 187-pound running back who committed to Ohio State on June 22, 2021.
On3 Consensus Ranking: 238 overall, 18 RB, 7 Tennessee
On3 Ranking: 21 RB, 10 Tennessee
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
High School: Christian Brothers
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Scouting summary: “Elusive, strong and agile, Dallan Hayden is a well-rounded addition for the Buckeyes backfield. He’s a well-put-together back who can run between the tackles or beat defenders to the edge. The Memphis native is productive, racking up nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons with the Purple Wave.
Hayden runs track, and that’s something the Buckeyes love to see as well. He may not have the top-end speed of TreVeyon Henderson or Evan Pryor yet, but he packs a punch and runs through tackles when needed. His father, Aaron, was a former Tennessee Volunteers tailback who spent four years in the NFL. His brother Chase was the country’s No. 4-ranked all-purpose running back in the Class of 2017, so there’s good genetics for strength coach Mickey Marotti to work with.” — Jeremy Birmingham, Lettermen Row
How did Hayden end up at Ohio State?
Despite being a Volunteers legacy, Hayden’s recruitment really came down to the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish. He checked out both campuses during the spring of 2020, though he was unable to meet with the coaching staffs due to the ongoing pandemic. Oregon, Tennessee, and Illinois were also in the mix for his services.
The Big Ten power appeared to be the leader coming out of the spring, but Notre Dame got him back on campus for an official visit on June 11. Ohio State welcomed him back the following weekend, and the return trip to Columbus was enough for Tony Alford to seal the deal. Hayden would go on to make his first game-day visit when the Buckeyes hosted Penn State in October.
