2024 3-Star DE WVU Recruit Jewett Hayes III Sees Himself as ‘Fast and Aggressive’

Fast and aggressive. That’s how West Virginia defensive end recruit Jewett Hayes III describes himself as a player.

With attributes like those and a three-star rating to carry with him throughout his recruitment process, the class of 2024 defensive end prospect is already drawing interest from several major programs, including WVU. WVSN spoke with Hayes III so fans could learn more about the player the Mountaineers extended an offer to back in September and have continued to recruit heavily ever since and even uncover details about the mindset of a player WVU is coveting to help anchor the defense for years to come.

Hayes, who currently attends Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, is classified as a three-star player by most outlets. He’s received plenty of interest already, including garnering an offer from the Mountaineers. According to Hayes, WVU tried to sell him on being a perfect fit for their defensive system during his recent visit to Morgantown. But based on Hayes’ mentality, he believes he can fit in on any team.

Had a great time at @WVUfootball !!Thank you @CoachLesley_WVU @NealBrown_WVU @CoachJaxDL @trey_neyer #TrustTheClimb pic.twitter.com/t1FoLhaX8v

— JewettHayesIII (@JewettHayesIII) January 17, 2023

West Virginia’s defense desperately needs a player like Hayes. The upcoming 2023 season is still ahead, but WVU struggled to generate a pass rush and create turnovers in 2022. Could Hayes see the Mountaineers as the perfect place to provide him an opportunity to showcase what he can do and a team that would truly let him loose to wreck games for opponents.

Before any of this matters and he has to make a decision on his future, Hayes has a couple goals in mind for the rest of his high school career. “Finish school with good grades and get state!” is what’s on the top of Hayes’ mind right now. This could be why he would not place any timeframe on when he may announce a commitment to a college program.

Joining WVU is Cincinnati with an obvious hometown edge, Duke, Iowa and Kentucky, also benefiting from being close to home, as programs interested in adding a tenacious player like Hayes to their next recruiting class.