Hayes appeared in 12 games, including three starts, last season. He finished with 20 tackles and was listed in the preseason as a back-up.
Confident Keeton
Going into the game, Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton thought these Aggies could turn into the best team since his arrival in 2011.
"Yeah, I definitely do," he said. "For me, it's more of what everyone has invested that really sets it apart. … Once we put it all together, it can make for something very special."
According to Keeton, the Aggie offense is more physical than it has been in recent years, which translated into some training camp battles.