In joining Charlie’s Top PSU moments, we’ve added another daily countdown feature here at NittanyWhiteOut. We’ll be measuring up the 50 most important players to Penn State’s success in the 2009 season. You may have noticed that we’ve slacked off a little lately, but expect a few daily doses of Counting Down the Lions until we’re all caught up.

Checking in at #31 is someone who could make a big impact at safety for the Nittany Lions: Gerald Hodges.

Number: 5
Position: Defensive End
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6′2
Weight: 240
Hometown: Bayonne, N.J.
How’d He Get Here: Playing running back and linebacker in high school, Jerome Hayes made a name for himself.  On offense, Hayes racked up 1200 yards and 18 touchdowns, and on defense, he totaled over 100 tackles and was thrice stnamed to the all-state team at linebacker.  He was listed on many All-American teams, played in the Army All-American game, and was a 4-star prospect on both Scout and Rivals, ranking in the top 15 at his position nationally.  Penn State was able to reach into New Jersey and snag Hayes, beating out Florida, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, and hometown Rutgers for his services.
2008 Results:  Coming off a season-ending knee injury, an right ACL tear suffered midway through the 2007 season, Hayes came into 2008 ready to make an impact for the Lions.  However, in the second game of the 2008 season against Oregon State, an illegal chopblock during a punt return caused Hayes to tear his other ACL, prematurely ending his second straight season.  In 2007, Hayes totaled 17 tackles and 3 sacks in 7 games, and in just over one game last year, Hayes accumulated 3 tackles.
What to Expect in 2009: Penn State loses more at defensive end than at any other position in its transition from the Rose Bowl campaign of a year ago to this coming season.  Gone are 2008 standout Aaron Maybin, 2007 standout Maurice Evans, and Josh Gaines, who provided important depth throughout his 4 seasons at Penn State.  It seems the only given will be Jack Crawford starting at one end spot.  Manning the other spot will likely be a rotation of Hayes, Eric Latimore, and Kevion Latham, but if he can return fully healthy, Hayes should be the starter and see the most snaps.  Joe Paterno made sure to point out Hayes’s progress in his rehab during media day last week, noting that while he’s made significant strides, he’s not quite up to 100% just yet.  If he can get to that point, Hayes will be an incredibly valuable member of the Nittany Lion defense in 2009.
Random Facts: In addition to football, Hayes was a 4-year starter for his high school basketball team.
The Final Word: If Jerome Hayes had any worse luck, he’d have no luck at all.  He missed 5 games with a foot injury in his freshman year, and suffered debilitating knee injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons.  Still, when he’s been healthy, Hayes has shown flashes of capturing the awesome potential he displayed throughout his high school career.  With a significant dearth of experience among Penn State’s ends this year, Hayes could provide a stabilizing presence, not to mention a significant edge rushing threat.  His placement at #31 on this list is only due to the question marks surrounding his health.  If healthy, Hayes could put up big numbers for the Lions, but unfortunately it’s tough to put too much stock on anyone with two surgically repaired knees.  For all the hard work he’s put in to come back when so many others might have quit, though, Hayes frankly deserves to have some success.

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