William Hayes, former Ram, makes first start in NFL with Tennessee Titans

William Hayes makes first NFL start with Tennessee Titans

After playing in only 12 games for the Tennessee Titans in the backup capacity, former Winston-Salem State defensive lineman William Hayes was promoted to the starting lineup.

During the primetime nationally broadcasted Oct. 11 contest in Nashville, the Titans faced their division rival, the Indianapolis Colts; Hayes debuted as the starting left defensive end.

Hayes did not get to see the game after it aired.

Therefore, he also missed a replay of himself being the first of the 11 starters to announce their names and the school they attended.

However, Titans fan Chad Smith, a senior majoring in exercised science from Rocky Mount witnessed the former Ram join the starting lineup and say, "William Hayes. Winston-Salem State University."

"I felt a sense of pride," Smith said. "It's good to see someone you went to school with make it on such a high level athletically."

Hayes entered the starting lineup replacing veteran Jevon Kearse, a former Titans first-round draft pick.

Hayes has a connection with Kearse that goes beyond being his Titans teammate. His early encounters with Kearse began as a teenager.

"I was in eighth grade and they [Kearse and Darnell Dockett of the Arizona Cardinals] threw a camp every year at my high school," Hayes said.

"Back then, I used to be crazy about Jevon Kearse. That's who I wanted to be."

Hayes said there is still a good connection between them and there is no type of animosity towards him from Kearse.

"He [Kearse] knows it's a business," Hayes said.

"That guy has taught me a lot. "When we're in practice, he still gives me insight on what I should do."

The decision to start Hayes was made by Titans 11th year defensive line coach Jim Washburn.

"William is starting because he's a good player and he's earned it," Washburn said.

"He's unusually powerful and strong. He uses his hands really well, and he can really run.

"Since William got here he's shown his most improvement in understanding the scheme of the defense. Young players have to realize that you just can't freelance, and I think William sees that. He understands his role within the entire defensive scheme and how all 11 guys on defense are one unit." 

The change in the lineup came as a surprise to Hayes.

 "I really don't know," Hayes said, when asked why he thinks he was chosen as a starter.

"Sometimes you really don't know who is going in until game day. I was told I was starting, and it was a blessing."

In Hayes' first start, he was met with the challenge of facing Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, the reigning, three-time NFL MVP.

"You talking about probably someone who is going to be one of the best quarterbacks that ever lived," Hayes said.

"It was just one of those things where there was never really a chance to get to him because the ball would come out so quick. We got a lot of hits on Peyton, but we just couldn't get the sacks."

Despite a 31-9 Titans defeat, Hayes contributed with four tackles including two for a loss. Going into week seven of the NFL season, which is the Titans bye; Hayes now has 31 tackles, six quarterback pressures, three tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.

"I want to improve on everything in my game," Hayes said.

"I try to fix the things, even if I am good enough, I try to make myself even better. "I think I really learned that from Winston [Salem-State].

"That's where I think that really came from."