Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.

Run Gump Run: Getting to know ASU football's De'Chavon Hayes

"Gump" is known for his speed and versatility, but how can he help the ASU offense?

CampTDay3-Hayes

CAMP TONTOZONA, Ariz. -- There's a line in the classic 1994 film "Forrest Gump" in which the title character quotes his mother in saying, "Life's like a bunch of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

The line, while moronic and reflective of the character's mocked intelligence, rings true for ASU football redshirt junior running back De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes.

You never know what you're going to get.

Hayes is entering his first season as a Sun Devil after transferring from Lackawanna College in Scranton, Penn., and his performance thus far in fall camp has made his actions tough to predict.

The versatile offensive weapon has already seen time at kickoff return, punt return, wide receiver and running back during this fall camp, using his electric speed to spark explosive plays.

It is Hayes' versatility that has not only made him poised to be a crucial figure for the offense, but has also seen him bounce all around the field.

"My versatility is very big (to the offense)," Hayes said. "(Offensive coordinator Mike) Norvell and the coaching staff are finding ways to get me into open space and put me in situations to get myself open to make plays and put this offense in the situation for big-time plays."

With sophomores Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard along with senior D.J. Foster expected to receive touches out of the backfield this season, Hayes has shifted from his traditional running back role to try to become a threat out wide.

Sometimes it's worked wonders, with redshirt senior quarterback Mike Bercovici hitting "Gump" in stride for a 50-yard bomb. Other times it hasn't, with Hayes still trying to learn his routes and struggling with drops.

Hayes said he's embraced the slot role, which utilizes his speed and quickness to get through the defense.

"I think I fit the slot the best because we've got Demario (Richard) in the backfield, you've got (receiver) D.J. Foster, you've got me at the receiver, Devin Lucien, Ellis (Jefferson)," Hayes said. 

ASU head coach Todd Graham alluded to a potential speed trio package of wide receivers with Hayes, Tim White and Devin Lucien, which is something Hayes said would be difficult to stop.

"It's going to be crazy," Hayes said. "It's going to be a very fast-paced offense with that. I know a lot of corners are going to really be scared to press us, so they're going to play a lot of off (coverage), and I feel like with me, Tim (White), (Devin) Lucien its definitely big yardage gains for us."

Hayes said the player he's watched most in the film room is his own teammate — senior receiver D.J. Foster. Foster is the only active FBS player with more than 2,000 career rushing and 1,500 career receiving yards.

"D.J. Foster just for the fact that he played running back and now he's moved to receiver," Hayes said. "Our game style is similar — he played running back, I played running back. We both play receiver roles, so I think he's the person who my game style fits best to."


Reach the reporter at fardaya@asu.edu or follow @fardaya15 on Twitter.

Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.


Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.

Subscribe to Pressing Matters



×

Notice

This website uses cookies to make your experience better and easier. By using this website you consent to our use of cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.