2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Hayes, DL, Lincoln University

• Name: Anthony Hayes
• Position: Defensive Line
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 252 lbs
• School: Lincoln University
• Level: Division II – Independent
• Twitter: kingsixmondz
• Instagram: kingsix99

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: Sports Management

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Just being a versatile player on the field, especially with the pass rush. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Three-technique as a pass rusher is my best fit at the defensive end position. It all comes back to versatility. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Austin Reed, QB, West Florida (now at Western Kentucky)

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jemal Williams, another transfer from Commerce. He loves contact and making big plays. 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Just my size and athletic ability – I love to play all over the defensive line. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Coming out of JUCO during the pandemic, I lost a lot of scholarships because my grades weren’t where they needed to be. It really hurt because I wanted to go further and knew I could do better.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Being a father and raising my beautiful little girl. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

My strip-sack against Saginaw Valley on third down, I was feeling good in my three-tech and as soon as the quarterback dropped back I came for him.  

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is Lebron James for what he does both on and off the court. 

JJ Watt is a guy that I really look up to being a strong-side defensive end. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just knowing what I can do during the game while my daughter watches. I am being the foundation of my family. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I am all football 24/7. My secret talent is that I could have played tight end. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

Just the love of the game. My mom motivates me the most because she raised four kids and I never want to give up because of her. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m ready to go – I get to the quarterback and I will always find a way to do so. 

Other notes: 

Panama City is where I’m from in Florida. Sophomore year we lost to Feleipe Franks and Ocala. Program had the best run junior year but I was best as an individual senior year (around 13 sacks). Committed to JUCO around the same time I found out I was having my daughter. First year at Southwest Mississippi I was named an All-American. Transferred to Texas A&M-Commerce after my sophomore year, had 5.5 sacks despite not starting a game. Played a bit of defensive tackle since I wasn’t the starting defensive end. Now I am going to Lincoln in Oakland.