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Asmussen | Former Illini, NFL star Hayden preaches hard work to current players

CHAMPAIGN — Best part of my job? Easy: the players and coaches I get to meet.

Like Kelvin Hayden.

The former Illini receiver/defensive back returned to town Saturday for the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame ceremony. His coach at Chicago Hubbard, Elton Harris, was among the inductees. Harris is another one of those good guys I have been fortunate to interview.

Hayden played for Ron Turner during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. My guess is I hadn't seen Hayden since his senior season. Still, he greeted me like an old friend.

Hayden spent just two seasons with the Illini.