Justice Hayes Announces He Will Transfer From Michigan For Final Year
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Running back Justice Hayes announced in an Instagram post he will transfer from the University of Michigan for his final season of eligibility.
"The four years I have spent at this institution have brought some great memories that I will cherish forever," Hayes wrote. "The fact that I will be graduating from the University of Michigan in April will be meritorious. I have earned team captain on numerous occasions, won respect from coaches and players, and most importantly played my heart out every Saturday.
"I truly appreciate the offer from Coach Harbaugh to allow me to return for my 5th year, but I have decided that I will choose another college to play football as a graduate student," Hayes continued. "I'm not an emotional person, but a few days back I cried because I knew it was time for me to move on. There will be people out there that disagree with this tough decision I made, but they won't be the ones that cut me checks in the future. I just want to continue to get closer to God, take care of my family, and be happy."
Hayes closed his farewell with the hashtag #goblueforever.
Michigan used Hayes relatively sparingly last season, with three other running backs - De'Veon Smith, Derrick Green and Drake Johnson - all logging more carries. While Hayes finished with 48 carries for 213 yards, Johnson recorded 361 yards on 60 rushes, Green went for 471 yards on 82 carries, and Smith led the group with 519 yards on 108 carries.
Smith, Green and Johnson all have multiple years of eligibility remaining.