Jewett Hayes Understands Hawkeye History
Son of Former Iowa Tight End Considering Following in Footsteps
It’s fair to say Jewett Hayes holds strong ties to Iowa Football. The Cincinnati Moeller tight end/defensive end is intimately connected to the Hawkeyes.
His father, Jonathan Hayes, stood out at tight end during glory years in the program. Jonathan roomed with Heisman Trophy runner-up quarterback Chuck Long, still a close family friend.
Jonathan shares with Jewett that Iowa City is special.
“He has told me that it was one of the best times of his life,” Jewett said to HF. “He loved his coach, coach (Hayden) Fry.”
Jonathan’s time at Iowa never was far from Jewett’s mind.
“I grew up calling my dad’s roommate, Uncle Chuck. I didn’t realize how famous Chuck Long was to the Iowa program,” Jewett said.
Jewett (6-4, 190) visited Iowa when his brother, Jaxon Hayes, a first-around pick of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, was recruited by the Hawkeyes for football.
“When I went on my brother’s recruiting trip, I met coach (Kirk) Ferentz,” Jewett said.
He enjoyed his experience inside Kinnick Stadium.
“I liked watching the crowd at the end of the first quarter wave to the kids in the children’s hospital,” Jewett said.
A strong all-around athlete like his brother, colleges can see Jewett lining up on either side of the ball. Iowa is recruiting him at defense end, which he prefers.
Jewett reports scholarship offers from Iowa and Kentucky. While he appreciates the recruiting attention, he knows time is on his side as a sophomore.
“I’m focusing on my high school career while investigating university options,” he said.
Likewise, Jewett still is thinking about a college major.
“I am still undecided,” he said.
As a sophomore, Hayes recorded 10 tackles (5 solo) and was credited with a quarterback hurry in eight games on varsity.