Daelin Hayes Wins for Best Commitment Announcement

Earlier today Daelin Hayes became Notre Dame’s 19th, and highest rated, commitment in the class of 2016 when he selected the Irish over both Ohio State and Michigan State.  While his selection wasn’t overly surprising, the method in which he made his commitment was unique to say the least.  Actually, it was down right awesome.

Hayes made his announcement via a professionally produced, Dark Knight inspired video that looks straight out of Hollywood.  Check for yourself.

Now, I am sure there are some in the old guard who will roll their eyes and talk about how “that’s not how they did it in my day” or say “what’s wrong with just committing and not making a spectacle?”  Those people can get over themselves.  This was pretty awesome and is a recruiting super tool for Brian Kelly and his staff as they look to close out the class of 2016 strong.

When Brian Kelly walks into a living room, he can play this video and say, “oh, did you see how our latest 5-star linebacker committed to Notre Dame?  Let me show you.”  Then he can play a video of Hayes turning down playoff bound Michigan State on top of Notre Dame’s Fiesta Bowl opponent Ohio State in a professionally produced video that to quote from friend of mine “gave them chills.”

So roll your eyes all you want if this video bothered you, but Hayes commitment video is a hell of a recruiting tool for Kelly and company on the recruiting trail.

Oh yeah, that tweet above has been shared over 2,000 times and liked another 3,000+ times so the video is going viral and giving Notre Dame lots and lots of positive publicity.

In This Story

Frank Vitovitch has been Co-Owner and Editor in Chief of UHND.com since joining forces with Kyle Flavin in 1999. Since that time, he has written over 2,000 articles covering Notre Dame football, recruiting, and basketball. He also works with all staff and external writers on all articles published on UHND.com. Frank's love for Notre Dame football started at a young age watching Rocket Ismail give opposing coaches ulcers in the late 1980's. By day Frank works in marketing and holds a degree in Digital Media from Drexel University. Frank's work has been cited by online/print editions of NBC Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated and has been quoted on air by ESPN's Collin Cowherd. He's conducted interviews with Notre Dame legends Rocket Ismail, Randy Kinder, Lee Becton, Reggie Brooks, Michael Stonebreaker, and Ned Bolcar among others over his 20+ years of covering Notre Dame football. He's also been published in the print edition of USA Today Sports Weekly and the USA Today College Football Preview multiple times. Other Published Works/Citations for Frank Three Reasons Notre Dame Will Beat Alabama - USA Today Notre Dame Suspends WR Kevin Stepherson, RB C.J. Holmes Indefinitely - Bleacher Report Notre Dame / Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Preview - Eleven Warriors Brace Yourself: The Fighting Irish are Relevant Again - Sports on Earth Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with Frank Vitovitch of UHND - Yahoo! Sports Five Good Minutes: Notre Dame Football Preview With UHND.com - BC Interruption Vicious Electronic Questioning with UHND - MGO Blog

Comments

13 RESPONSES

  1. NDirish83DEC 16, 2015 · 1:54PM

    Awesome video I am an 83 graduate of ND. Roll with the times are we will be left behind.
    And yes we were in great hands when we decided to stick our nose in vietnam in the 60s and Iraq 14 years ago.

  2. 45yearfaithfulDEC 13, 2015 · 12:02PM

    ND’s only backer leaving? Fortunately that was a position of depth and strength. Next season should be another solid position for the team. Even with at least three leaving. I just hope they all stay,. Fear the lack of playing time scenario. Thanks.

  3. TimDEC 11, 2015 · 7:50PM

    I enjoyed listening to him speak. I like the fact that when Notre Dame players talk to the press I don’t get nervous hoping they don’t sound dumb. We do get intelligent young men and women.

  4. mzipprichDEC 11, 2015 · 3:48PM

    Correct, not a complaint, more a statement/opinion. Something which you never seem to have of your own, Ron.

  5. Subway AlumDEC 11, 2015 · 2:04PM

    @ Ben, i disagree. He looked at what we showed at LB this season, anticipates our ONLY LB leaving, and made the commitment…he’s coming. But wouldn’t it be nice to actually have 2 quality LB’s next season?

  6. Subway AlumDEC 11, 2015 · 1:58PM

    i have to squint, but i still can’t tell, is that an h or a k at the end of his name?

  7. Subway AlumDEC 11, 2015 · 1:46PM

    Love his energy, his style, his commitment and judging from the uniqueness of the presentation…..
    I expect him to be the ‘brains’ of the defense. Looks like a keeper. Welcome to ND, we missed you this year.

  8. Ron BurgundyDEC 11, 2015 · 1:43PM

    Don’t complain????

  9. mzipprichDEC 11, 2015 · 12:24PM

    Never voted, don’t vote, don’t care, as I don’t complain. Society is going to hell in a hand basket.

  10. TJAKDEC 11, 2015 · 11:42AM

    If you think we are doomed because this fine young man posts this video, then I bet you are one of the terrified who are going to vote for Trump. Dude get over yourself. Did you even listen to his words. A future with this kid in Leadership is a bright one.

  11. mzipprichDEC 11, 2015 · 11:22AM

    Dumb, if this is what kids now a days have to do to commit, then we as a society are doomed when they take over.

  12. BenDEC 11, 2015 · 5:24AM

    While it may be a useful tool for other recruits, to everybody else it’s laughable because these verbal commitments typically mean absolutely nothing. Watch him not even go to Notre Dame in the end

  13. MartyDEC 10, 2015 · 10:15PM

    At least he didn’t roll up to the College Football HOF in a stretch limo!