BOONE, N.C. — The preseason watch list for the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the best defensive player in college football, includes Appalachian State senior cornerback Tae Hayes.
Hayes is moving forward from a 2017 season in which he recorded four interceptions, 16 passes defended (ranking 18th nationally), 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He tied a school record with three interceptions against New Mexico State and earned All-Sun Belt first-team honors from the PFF College Football Site.
Hayes, a native of Decatur, Ala., played in 39 games and made 20 starts in his first three seasons.