Western Carolina University

2020-21 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action.

2019 (Freshman): Played in three games on special teams and as a reserve along the offensive line, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the home overtime win over ETSU (Nov. 9), playing in the final three games of the season.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Two-time all-county selection and was also selected all-region and all-state … Did not allow a sack from his left tackle position over his final two varsity seasons … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Three-sport athlete, competing in baseball and throwing the shot put in track & field ... High school coach was Daniel Brunner.

Personal: Full name is Zachary Hayes … Is the son of Dawn Carter and Nathan Hayes … Has one sibling, Carter … His father played collegiate football at North Carolina.