Meet your 2019 recruit: Marcus Hayes, Safety, Illinois - transfer from University of New Mexico

Marcus Hayes signed with the New Mexico Lobos out of high school in 2017 and this offseason transferred to Kansas State. Hayes is most widely recognized for leading the nation in yards per punt return last year as a redshirt freshman - and one could expect he'll continue returning kicks in Manhattan.

✍️ Marcus Hayes from New Mexico (transfer)

Bring on the 'Cats#KStateFB #EMAW19 pic.twitter.com/7zg1HY2I93
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) December 19, 2018

There were several reasons for this transfer which Hayes has talked about openly and in detail:

Safety Marcus Hayes @hayesss23 talks about why he decided to transfer to K-State. Hayes led the country in punt return average (21.2) and also had 51 tackles and 2 interceptions. #KStateFB https://t.co/56irBsx2FU pic.twitter.com/bulj2SJ5tH
— Pete Francis (@Pete_Francis) December 19, 2018

Hayes is 6'0", 190lbs and will work to bulk up in the coming months to compete in the Big 12.

Originally from Rockford, Illinois the young safety received an offer from new Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman when in high school, while Klieman was at North Dakota State. While one cannot be sure, it would be easy to conclude that Klieman's presence in Manhattan was a big part of Hayes decision to come to Manhattan, after he decided to transfer.

Hayes has gained some national attention, making the freshman All-American team:

The Football Writers Association of America (@TheFWAA) has announced its Freshman All-America Team today. New Mexico transfer and now #KState signee Marcus Hayes (@hayesss23) has made the list.https://t.co/LmYErFe9p3
— Riley Gates (@Riley_Gates) January 7, 2019

He's sure to be a solid contributor for the Wildcats in the future. He will have to sit out 2019, and will forfeit a year of eligibility as a result of his transfer. He'll have two years of playing time left when he can take the field in 2020.

Kansas State's own website lists an impressive freshman resume for the former Lobo:

"Played in 12 games with nine starts, while he served as the team’s primary punt returner en route to Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)... Finished seventh on the team with 51 tackles to go along with 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups... Also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble..."