Football recruiting: Former Ohio State RB Dallan Hayden commits to CU Buffs

Colorado is adding some experience to its offense, as former Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden has verbally committed to the Buffaloes.

Hayden, who spent two seasons at Ohio State, has three years of eligibility remaining.

While Hayden committed on Monday afternoon, the Buffs also lost two players to the transfer portal. Cornerback Adam Hopkins and defensive end JJ Hawkins are both leaving the Buffs after one season in the program.

A 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore, Hayden rushed for 663 yards and six touchdowns in his time with the Buckeyes.

As a true freshman in 2022, Hayden rushed for 553 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He got the start in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Georgia, rushing for 43 yards on nine carries.

This past season, he was limited to three games, allowing him to use a redshirt year. He ran 19 times for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Hayden was a four-star recruit out of Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tenn., in 2022. He rushed for 2,002 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior.

Adding Hayden fills the spot vacated by Alton McCaskill IV, who entered the transfer portal earlier this week.

Hayden will join a running back room that includes senior Sy’veon Wilkerson, sophomore Dylan Edwards and true freshman Micah Welch, who has turned heads this spring. The room also includes junior walk-on Charlie Offerdahl, who continues to impress coaches.

Hawkins joined CU a year ago as a transfer from Mississippi. He played in 10 games and registered five tackles.

Hopkins came to CU as a true freshman from Thomasville, Ga., last summer. He was recruited as a receiver, but shifted to cornerback last season. He played in three games, mostly on special teams, and recorded four tackles.