Senior running back Michael Hayes is in his second year at UH. He transferred from Blinn Col- lege, where he was teammates with Cam Newton. | Brianna Leigh Morrison/The Daily Cougar
Senior running back Michael Hayes leads the Cougars in rushing yards with 348, and is tied for the lead in touchdowns with six.
He is also the sixth-leading receiver on the team with 223 yards and two touchdowns.
The Daily Cougar spoke with Hayes on Tuesday to ask about his thoughts toward the midpoint of the season.
Q: After six straight wins UH is ranked and the offense is putting up impressive numbers, yet it doesn’t seem to phase you. What is that about?
A: The rankings and stats are good for everybody else. For us we need to focus on Marshall and what we need to prepare to do to beat them. Without that, the rankings and everything else won’t help us win.
Q: The win against East Carolina made the team eligible for a bowl game. Is there a sense of relief that you have guaranteed yourselves a postseason?
A: We have goals that we set before the season, and we still haven’t reached them. We still need to do the things to reach them.
Q: Are you feeling the wear and tear of the season after six games or does having Bryce Beall and Charles Sims keep you rested?
A: With the rotation the three of us have, we all stay fresh. Six games into the football season everyone has little nicks and is a little tired. All in all it’s a good thing, all of us are feeling healthy right now.
Q: You’ve been contributing for special teams on kickoffs this season. Is that something you volunteered for?
A: I did. I haven’t played on special teams since I was in high school. But going into my senior year I thought it would be a better opportunity for me to help contribute to the team.
Q: Are there any specific running backs that you try to borrow parts of their game, or do you follow your own style?
A: I’m a huge Emmitt Smith. But today’s running backs I like watching Ray Rice on the Baltimore Ravens. But I also want to be the running back everybody else looks up to, so I try to make my own style.
Q: Starting with the UCLA game you have been making big plays all season. Not to look too far ahead, but do you feel like you have helped your chances to make it to the next level?
A: I really don’t think about that too much. The plays that I make, and everything that’s happening I’m sure that people will see. It would be a dream of mine to play in the NFL, but that’s the last thing I have to worry about right now.
