Eri’Reon Hayes signed on to play with Old Dominion on Wednesday. Left to right: Greg Hayes, father; Eri’Reon Hayes; and Zareon Hayes, brother. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
Dillon’s Eri’Reon Hayes and Gerome McLeod, Jr., both signed on to play college football on Wednesday.
Hayes signed on to play for Old Dominion after receiving offers from several schools, including East Carolina, Appalachian, Georgia Southern, Coastal, Georgia Military, Hampton, and SC State.
Hayes played receiver for the Wildcats and set several records in his senior year. He finished the season with 1,320 yards receiving on 64 catches with 22 touchdowns, setting single-season records in each and leaving the Wildcats as the all-time leader in receiving yards and catches. He was named the Region 8-2A Offensive Player of the Year and and the Class 2A Lower State Back of the Year and was named to the Palmetto Champions All-Star Football team and was also a Shrine Bowl selection. He also received the WBTW award and the WPDE End Zone award.
Hayes helped the Wildcats to three consecutive state championships and says that his best play was a diving catch against Fairfield-Central in the state playoffs.
Hayes has been playing football since he was just five years old and says his father greatly influenced his love of the sport. Hayes also plays basketball for the Wildcats.
Hayes said he chose Old Dominion because he felt at home there and felt loved. He plans to bring his great attitude and great mindset with him to the college level. He wants to major in sports business management and plans to concentrate on grades and sports.
His father, Greg, said he was very proud of his son and his accomplishments.
“I encouraged him to play football since he was one year old,” he said. “I was strict on his upbringing. I started him early in recreation ball. I encouraged him and stayed behind him to keep his grades high in school.”
Gerome McLeod, Jr., signed on to play for Fayetteville State on Wednesday. Left to right: Rondalyn McLeod, mother; Gerome McLeod, Sr., father; Gerome McLeod, Jr.; and Geronda McLeod, sister. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
McLeod signed on to play with Fayetteville State.
McLeod has been playing football since he was nine years old and says he was encouraged by his father, Gerome McLeod, Sr. He also plays basketball for the Wildcats.
McLeod said he chose the school because he likes their style of defense.
“The style of defense 3/4 is the same as I play,” he said. “I play outside linebacker.”
He said his best play was against North Myrtle Beach. “I made a big play on third down on the running back.”
McLeod says he plans to bring his work ethic and winning attitude to the next level and plans to stay focused on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. He plans to major in business management.
His parents, Rondalyn and Gerome McLeod, Sr., said they were very proud of him.
“He has always been a hard worker,” they said,” and he always wanted to go to the NFL. He enjoyed this year and the coaching staff and we are looking for bigger and better things in the future.”
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