2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: David Hayes, WR, St. Thomas University

• Name: David Hayes 
• Position: WR
• College: St. Thomas University 
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 185
• Twitter: @MR_overthetop1
• Instagram: @Mr.overthetop 

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

I got the chance to play college football my sophomore year an once I started playing i’ve been dominating ever since putting up crazy number one season towards the back half of the season, I had to play  with a cast on and still was dominating with one hand

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I bring energy to the game and again even through tough obstacles like breaking my scaphoid bone in my wrist. The doctor told me I wouldn’t be able to play, but I got it cast, and was able to still dominate the game with one hand.
 
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I’d donate to my high school back home that started it all for me because they wasn’t really big on offers and the coaches worked their butts off to get us new uniforms when I play so I love to help them out and return the favor

Who was your role model?

My mom is always gonna be my role model. Because she wakes up early Monday through Friday and goes to work a long hours with no complain just to provide for me and my family and even though she working all these hours, she still managed to come and watch my football games 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers baby

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

I say the most underrated player on my team that I played with was Rontavious Farmer. He dominated the game since he started playing as a freshman and I think the only reason that he’s not in the league right now is because of his size. Being a smaller running back, but the mindset and the skill is there.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Hygiene!! I’m real big on staying clean.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I’ve had a lot of favorite teachers over the years of school, but I say one that stand out to me most is Dr. song because he understood like things get hard. All I had to do was talk to him. I missed the grade All I had to do was talk to him and he would help me and I would be able to fix my grade. He was also my advisor so he helped me out picking out classes and stuff the best classes for me.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I say breaking my scaphoid bone in my wrist and the doctor was telling me I won’t be able to play the rest of the season. I had a choice so I could either sit down and listen to the doctor or find ways to work around it and still be able to play

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Little Caesars pizza gas!

What is your favorite snack food?

I said like a bag of Doritos or some chocolate like a Kitcat Oreos.

What is your degree in?

Sports Administration.
 
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

1. The first person I would have dinner with would be my grandma because man I had so many conversations I wanted to have that got cut short because she passed away and I would love to have a conversation about life and how to prepare for it better.
2. I say the second person I like to eat dinner with is Mike Evans. He’s one of the great receivers. You know what I’m saying. He’s where I want to be next year so I would love to soak the game from him. What did it take for him to get there? How did he maintain it? What to do when things get hard? How did he manage to keep his money longevity?
3. The last person I would love to eat dinner with is my mom because I love to sit down and have a deep live conversation with her and let her know like all her hard work has  paid off and I will be able to take all the stress about bills and all the little expenses off her shoulders and tell her that she doesn’t have to work anymore because I’m gonna take care of it

What is your biggest weakness?

I’m a really bad Overthinker. I’m always in my head.