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Top 50 Illini Football Players of 2016: No. 46, Ahmari Hayes

Related Topics: Junior college, Bill Cubit

No. 46: Ahmari Hayes, DB

Why he’s important: The only junior college transfer in the 2016 class adds depth to a revamped secondary. With Taylor Barton the lone starter returning among the back four, Hayes could find himself on the field this season. Caleb Day is likely the other starting safety at this point, with Darius Mosely and Jaylen Dunlap the front-runners to start at the two cornerback spots. But Hayes could bring some versatility to the field. Former Illinois coach Bill Cubit, whom Hayes signed with, liked the length and size the California native possesses.