Penn State football misses on ex-Pitt edge in the transfer portal

The Penn State football team has reported interest in several prospects from the transfer portal in the spring window. The transfer portal officially opened on Tuesday, April 16, and there have been several defenders that have mentioned the Nittany Lions as potential contenders. However, none of those have taken the next step and committed to Penn State. The same can be said for former Pittsburgh edge rusher Dayon Hayes, who made his commitment to Colorado on Sunday.

Penn State football misses on ex-Pitt edge in the transfer portal

Dayon Hayes is from Pittsburgh, PA shared a connection with James Franklin and the Penn State football team. As a high school prospect, Hayes was a four-star recruit and listed as the No. 3 player from Pennsylvania in the 2020 recruiting class. He took a visit to Happy Valley in March of 2019. This visit led to a scholarship offer from the Nittany Lions, but he ultimately made his decision to commit to Pittsburgh.

Hayes has had a productive career at Pitt accounting for 81 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 3 sacks. He entered the transfer portal on Monday, April 15. It was reported by Pittsburgh Sports Now that Hayes was contacted by Penn State which was 1 of 17 schools that reached out to him when he entered the transfer portal. 

Another school that made contact with Hayes was Colorado and Deion Sanders. After a visit this past weekend Hayes left Colorado committed to the Buffs which was reported by Hayes Fawcett of On3.

BREAKING: Former Pitt EDGE Dayon Hayes has Committed to Colorado, he tells @on3sports

Totaled 81 Tackles, 27 TFL, 13 Sacks, & 3 FFs in his career thus far

Was the Top Available EDGE in the Transfer Portal (per On3)

“How can I stay Humble if I’m hungry?”… pic.twitter.com/RKMmTWs5sI

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 21, 2024

Penn State football transfer portal tracker

The Penn State football team has lost two scholarship players since the transfer portal opened last Tuesday. The big name was 2023 leading wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith. But he has been busy since entering the portal last Monday. Lambert-Smith has taken visits to Auburn and Texas A&M over the past weekend. The latest report from Pete Nakos of On3 states that USC is set to host Lambert-Smith this upcoming weekend.

Additionally, special team captain and wide receiver Malick Meiga entered the transfer portal last Tuesday. He ended his Penn State career with 9 catches for 106 yards and 1 touchdown and looks to find a home with a larger role on offense.

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