May 14, 2015 2 min read

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One of the more unsung recruits of the 2016 class picked up his first Division I football scholarship offer this week. South Fayette junior Hunter Hayes, who led the Lions to their second consecutive PIAA Class AA state title last fall, was offered by Saint Francis (Pa.).

This is the first of many offers for the 6-0, 190-pound running back/defensive back. He spearheaded South Fayette’s offense in the state playoffs, including a 263-yard, two-touchdown performance in the state championship win over Dunmore.

Hayes finished the season with 2,103 rushing yards on 278 carries (7.6 ypc) and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 279 yards, and was a force on defense with 80 tackles and four interceptions.

Saint Francis, which competes in NCAA Division I’s Football Championship Subdivision, finished with a 5-6 overall record in 2014 and 3-3 in the Northeast Conference. The Red Flash have two senior defensive backs and one senior running back returning in 2015.

They earned victories over No. 22 Sacred Heart, Duquesne and Robert Morris last fall. Saint Francis is a program on the rise and you will likely see its coaching staff offer many WPIAL players in the coming months.

Hayes is a player that will be overlooked because of his size, but will be a steal for any FCS program.