Spartan WR C.J. Hayes transfers to Syracuse

Wide receiver C.J. Hayes makes a catch against Ohio State in 2019/ Photo Credit: MSU Athletic Communications

Manit Patel, General Assignment Reporter
January 20, 2022

EAST LANSING, Mich—Another former Michigan State Spartan has announced his new school via the transfer portal after former Spartan wide receiver C.J. Hayes transferred to Syracuse.

Hayes, who transfers to the Orange with one year of eligibility remaining, played five years in East Lansing and appeared in 26 games. He switched from wide receiver to safety before the 2021 season and appeared in seven games last season.

As a wide receiver, Hayes compiled 14 catches for 154 receiving yards, most in 2019. During his redshirt sophomore season, he had two starts against Western Michigan and Indiana and tallied 13 catches for 141 yards.

Hayes, a three-star wide receiver, was the No. 6 overall recruit in Kentucky and the No. 168 overall wide receiver recruit in the country.

Hayes racked up 19 offers, including three from Power Five conferences in MSU, Purdue and Illinois. He also earned offers from several Group of Five schools including Cincinnati, Toledo, Bowling Green, Marshall, Ohio, Coastal Carolina, Navy, Midde Tennessee State, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan. Hayes announced his intention to transfer on Dec. 6 before committing to Syracuse via Twitter on Thursday afternoon.

Hayes is the ninth former Spartan to commit to a new school along with defensive lineman Jack Camper (Virginia), cornerback Kalon Gervin (Kansas), linebacker Chase Kline (Eastern Michigan), linebacker Cole DeMarzo (Wyoming), defensive lineman Tyson Watson (UMass), defensive tackle Kyle King (Ball State), offensive lineman James Ohonba (Louisiana-Lafayette), and tight end Kam Allen (SMU).