Penn State adds another 2025 running back in Aliquippa native Tiqwai Hayes
Penn State picked up its second Class of 2025 commitment in as many days Monday, adding Aliquippa running back Tiqwai Hayes. Listed at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Hayes has been one of the most productive players in Pennsylvania the past few years, rushing for more than 3,700 yards and 56 touchdowns as an underclassman.
Since earning an offer from the Nittany Lions in Dec. 2021, Hayes has been a regular visitor for nearly two years now, traveling to State College 10 times over that span. He said the combination of football, education and the relationships he built just couldn’t be matched elsewhere.
“I visited everywhere and nothing is like Penn State,” Hayes told BWI. “I love the crowd, obviously. Their education is also top tier.”
Like all Western Pennsylvania prospects, assistant coach Terry Smith played a big role in this commitment. As he got around the program more, running back coach Ja’Juan Seider also had a big impact in getting this commitment wrapped up early.
“A big thing is that he wasn’t always texting me and annoying me all the time, but he also made sure to stay in contact and let me know I’m important to them,” Hayes said, referring to Smith.
“But also, he showed me the ropes with recruiting. He always made it clear that even if I didn’t end up at Penn State, he cared about my future and wanted to remain cool with me. It was just like a family thing, and that was the same way with Coach Seider, too. Really, their whole staff is like that.”
Penn State’s production at running back has been impressive under Seider. That history also played a role with Hayes.
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“They’re RBU, they’re the Lawn Boyz,” Hayes said. “They always have successful seasons. I’m excited to be part of that.”
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Hayes, who earned Class 4A Player of the Year honors in Pennsylvania as a freshman, totaled 24 offers. He mentioned Ohio State, Pitt, Michigan and West Virginia as the key schools that Penn State ultimately beat out. Relationships with a few other WPIAL players who are already committed to Penn State also played a role.
“I’ve been texting with those guys a lot behind the scenes,” Hayes said, referring to players like Anthony Speca, Quinton Martin and Peter Gonzalez. “I don’t see them a lot, but have seen them at different sporting events.”
Hayes joins fellow running back commit Kiandrea Barker in the 2025 class. He’s one of two commitments they’ve added since Saturday night’s White Out, as linebacker DJ McClary announced his decision yesterday. Penn State’s Class of 2025 has four commitments total at the moment, as New Jersey safety Omari Gaines committed back in March.
A three-star prospect, Hayes is ranked No. 349 nationally by the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s the 29th-ranked running back and No. 10 overall in Pennsylvania for his class.
Aliquippa is currently 4-0 as they work to get back to the PIAA state championship after losing to Bishop McDevitt in the championship last season. That’ll have much of his focus in the months ahead, but he also made it clear that he’s forward to recruiting other top prospects to Happy Valley.
“Oh, I’ll be after a lot of guys,” Hayes said. “They got to come here. How could you not? All the dogs need to come play with us.”
