JUCO OT announcing commitment this week

AUBURN | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offensive tackle D’Marcus Hayes plans to announce his commitment soon.

Very soon.

“It will be sometime this week,” Hayes said.

Hayes, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 320 pounds, has narrowed his focus to Auburn, Mississippi State, Florida and Louisville. He has offers from each of the schools, as well Arkansas, Cincinnati, Iowa State and South Florida, among others.

Hayes already has an idea of which school he might choose.

“Auburn is my top school,” Hayes said.

Hayes visited Auburn on Saturday and attended the Tigers’ season opener against No. 2 Clemson. Auburn lost 19-13, but it didn’t take away from Hayes’ visit.

“I loved it,” Hayes said. “The atmosphere was really nice. The support throughout the game from the fans … it didn’t matter how the game was going, the fans stayed behind the team.”

Hayes also met with Auburn offensive line coach Herb Hand during the visit. The two have developed a good relationship, one that could continue for the next two years.

Hayes already plans to return to Auburn for the Tigers’ home game against LSU on Sept. 24.

Hayes is teammates with at least two other Auburn targets: five-star defensive end Isaiah Buggs and four-star receiver and former Auburn commitment Brandon Martin.