As Arizona State loses running back Marion Grice to graduation, the Sun Devils have landed another junior college transfer to take his place in the backfield.
According to tweets sent out on Friday morning, the Sun Devils have received a verbal commitment from Lackawanna Community College running back De'Chavon Hayes.
De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes, top JUCO RB has committed to ASU http://t.co/ZgVehs6wyS
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) December 13, 2013
Hayes stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 188 pounds and according to Devils Digest, his skill set is comparable to current Arizona State sophomore D.J. Foster.
The JC RB is the mold of D.J. Foster and is a very good kick and punt returner
— Devils Digest (@DevilsDigest) December 13, 2013
After Darrel Williams backed out of his verbal commitment to Arizona State last week, the Sun Devils were looking for another running back to join current recruit Demario Richard in their haul for the class of 2014. Earlier this week, the Sun Devils received a verbal pledge from Kalen Ballage and Friday morning, they learned of Hayes' commitment as well.
Hayes is considered a 3-star recruit, but he is listed as a freshman on the Lackawanna Community College athletics website which means he would have three years of eligibility left upon arriving at Arizona State.
Hayes also has one of the best nicknames in the country as he goes by "Gump" instead of his given name, De'Chavon.
A quick look at Hayes' highlight film reveals his incredible breakaway speed and an ability to return punts and kickoffs which is something the Sun Devils should definitely look to take advantage of next season.