Za’reon Hayes signed to play football at the next level with Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., on Wednesday, December 20, at Dillon High School in Dillon, S.C.
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jackie Hayes thanked Za’reon for his contributions to the Dillon High School football program.
Coach stated, “Za’reon is the last of the Hayes’ legacy to play at Dillon High School. He will be missed.”
Za’reon is another player who gave us his all. He played hurt this year and is scheduled for surgery next week. “This shows his commitment to the game,” said Coach. “We will miss your wit and jokes”.
Coach stressed to Za’reon that he had a good road map. The stars are ahead for you. Great things will happen.
Za’reon matured tremendously this football season.
Za’reon has played football since the age of seven when he was coached by his Father, Greg Gurley until he stated that his Father was too tough on him as he expected great things from him. Therefore, he played with another team.
Za’reon’s father pushed him, as he did with his other children. He reared Za’reon to be a good man. “Every Saturday morning we would get up, and I would prepare breakfast before we headed to the rec field to practice” said Gurley.
Not only did Za’reon shine as quarterback/running back for the Wildcats but he also was a great linebacker.
Za’reon played JV football while in the eighth grade. He played varsity his freshman year with his older brother, Erion. Both made the Shrine Bowl. In later years Za’reon received the All Zoneman and All State Defense awards.
Za’reon’s father has supported him, as his other brothers, throughout his career as he will continue to do.
Za’reon will always remember winning 3 state championships at Dillon High School and the coaching staff.
As Za’reon transistions from the high school level to the college level, he will carry a winning attitude and the importance of academics with him.
After visiting Appalachian State University, Za’reon knew he would be a perfect fit there as everyone was so nice. His mother, Jennifer Singletary, agreed.
Za’reon’s mother, Jennifer Singletary exclaimed, “I am truly proud of Za’reon and his accomplishments, both on and off the field. He will do great as he pursues his dream of playing football”.
Za’reon had many offers from other schools including Colorado State, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Mid Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky, and others, he signed with Appalachian State University.
Za’reon will major in criminal justice.
When not playing football, Za’reon enjoys shopping.
While playing football at Dillon High School, Za’reon had 208 career solo tackles and 116 assists plus 15 sacks, caused 1 fumble, recovered 4 fumbles, and knocked down 3 passes.
In his freshman year, he caught a pass for 36 yards and scored a touchdown. He also had 50 solor tackles and 26 assists, 2 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries.
In his sophomore year, he caught a pass for 16 yards and had 53 solo tackles, 29 assists, 3.5 sacks, and 1 knocked down pass.
In his junior year,he had 69 solo tackles, 47 assists, 6.5 sacks and 2 knocked down passes. In his senior year, he caught 6 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown and had 36 solo tackles, 14 assists, 3 sacks, caused a fumble, and recovered 2 fumbles.