Junior College defensive back talks about his weekend trip to Colorado
Given some depth concerns at safety, Colorado's staff is trying to turn over every rock while looking for a player to add to the roster before preseason camp begins in August. Contra Costa College's Arthur Hayes is one of the safeties they are closely evaluating.
Hayes, who was a full qualifier out of high school, was in Boulder earlier this weekend for an unofficial visit. The Buffaloes made quite an impression on him.
“After I went out there, I had a whole different perspective. I thought I was going to see something different but Colorado is so beautiful,” said Hayes, who measured in at 5-foot-11, 182-pounds. “The coaching staff, I loved them, they are good people.
“I talked one-on-one with the head coach (Mike MacIntyre). It was good. I told him a lot about myself and he was telling me how much he was interested in me. So I am looking forward to hopefully getting that call. I am hoping they offer me.”
Louisville, Hawaii, New Mexico and UNLV are some other programs that are looking at Hayes. He is not sure if he will transfer to an FBS program this summer, or play his sophomore season at Contra Costa College.
“I am ready to go now because I am qualified. So if Colorado offers me now, or I get another opportunity I like, I will leave now. If not, I will wait until December and be a mid-year [transfer],” he explained.
Hayes played cornerback in high school and through the first five games of his freshman season before moving to safety. Colorado is recruiting him for safety.
“I am very versatile, I can do either one,” Hayes said.
A self-described “late bloomer,” Hayes played both football and basketball at Vallejo High School before enrolling at Contra Costa College to play for Alonzo Carter.
“I feel like at the JC level, I developed more than just in football. I grew up as a man,” Hayes said. “Coach Carter is an amazing person. I feel like I grew up 10-times outside of football. And as a football player, I grew up a lot because the coaches here are great.”
If he did transfer to an FBS program this year, he would have four years to play three.
“I am waiting on that phone call. Hopefully I'll end up in Colorado,” Hayes said.