BOULDER — As knives and forks clanked around him, Dallan Hayden was hungry — for opportunity. Sure, he enjoyed the pizza at The Sink, but his focus remains on taking the next step in his college career.
Get to know the name. Beyond quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver Travis Hunter, no player might end up being more important to CU’s offensive success than Hayden.
He profiles as a bellcow running back, the type of downhill runner who puts his foot in the ground, cuts with precision and inflicts punishment on defenders.
He transferred from Ohio State in April after turning heads in two years with the Buckeyes. Hayden arrived with no guarantees, just a chance to prove himself.
“I am really looking forward to this,” Hayden said. “Competition brings out the best in everyone.”
Hayden found Boulder as much as the Buffs landed him. He wasn’t looking to leave Ohio State, but circumstances changed. He entered his third year in a crowded backfield featuring Heisman candidate TreVeyon Henderson and transfer Quinshon Judkins. After rushing for 553 yards on 111 carries as a freshman, Hayden played in only three games last season, leaving him with three more years of eligibility.
A fresh start at CU made sense. The gravitational pull of Coach Prime didn’t hurt.
“I enjoyed my time at Ohio State. It was about doing what was best for my future. Coach Prime is building a great program. I know he gets a lot of hate that he really doesn’t deserve because he’s done a great job here. And everywhere he has been, they have won,” Hayden said. “The offense, the offensive line they put together, I felt like, ‘Why not come to CU?’”
Sanders and Hunter enter the season as two of the sport’s most highly regarded players. However, for the Buffs to post a winning record, reach a bowl game and become a Big 12 contender, something has to change. They don’t have to run more than Ralphie, but they must establish a legitimate ground game.
Last season Dylan Edwards, who departed for Kansas State, led the team in rushing with 321 yards. No running back scored more than three touchdowns. Hayden posted five in his first year with Ohio State.
Coach Prime declined to elaborate on the depth chart during Big 12 media days, other than to praise former walk-on Charlie Offerdahl. It is impossible, though, not to be intrigued by Hayden’s fit, especially if offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur commits to a balanced attack to keep Shedeur upright.
Hayden was born to be a running back. His parents are ChaToya and Aaron. If Aaron Hayden’s name sounds familiar, it should. He starred at Tennessee — he was teammates with Peyton Manning, and texted him when his son headed to CU — and played for the Packers and Eagles. Dallan’s older brother Chase was a tailback at Arkansas and Illinois. His young brother Cullen, a middle schooler, is currently a quarterback, but even Dallan wonders if he will end up taking handoffs.
Running back is not just in the family’s DNA. It’s in Dallan’s heart.
“The crazy thing is that my dad pushed me and my older brother to pursue basketball. But we knew so much about football from him,” Dallan said. “I was a two-way player my first two years of high school, and getting recruited as a cornerback. But I kind of outgrew the position. I was just a running back my last two years. I loved it.”
Hayden was named the Division II-AAA Mr. Football in his junior and senior seasons at Memphis’ Christian Brothers High School. He wanted to create his own path rather than follow in his dad’s footsteps, choosing Ohio State over Notre Dame, Auburn and the Vols.
He was drawn by the brand, the coaching, the winning. And he definitely played a part in a few victories, posting three 100-yard games in 2022.
“Maryland was my favorite. It was a close game. I got thrown into the fire and ended up with (146 yards) and three touchdowns,” Hayden said. “I was nervous. But once you get out there, it’s just football.”
Hayden didn’t come to CU to lose. He sees a team ready to break through. The evidence is not blind faith. It comes from the workouts. PLPs — player-led practices — continue to inspire confidence around the program that accountability is taking root.
“I like it a lot. It helps you get comfortable and it’s a good culture,” Hayden said. “Guys are competing and pulling for each other.”
Boulder is definitely different from Columbus and Memphis. Hayden is used to city life, but has grown to appreciate Colorado’s charm.
“It’s a lot of outdoor activities. The mountains are really cool,” Hayden said. “It’s a great college town.”
What hasn’t changed is Hayden’s approach. The only thing with a low ceiling on this day was the restaurant. Aaron has instilled in Dallan and his brothers the importance of rolled-up sleeves.
“All we do is put our head down and work. Not too much talking. It’s about playing. He trained me like that my whole life. When I go home it’s hard. He will never make it easy,” said Dallan, who is 5-foot-10, 208 pounds. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Hayden grew up a huge sports fan. He follows the Kansas City Chiefs because Andy Reid is a family friend, having coached Aaron when he was on the Packers and Eagles. He plans to pursue a communications degree with an eye toward working in TV. But that’s down the road.
Hayden’s narrow focus is helping CU continue its ascent while turning himself into an NFL prospect. His Twitter background hints at what is next, reading: “Remember that some of the best times of your life haven’t even happened yet.”
“I watched a lot of CU games last year. I know they only won four games, but they could have won more. It’s exciting to think about what we can do,” Hayden said. “Getting to the NFL is my ultimate goal. If I keep working hard and stay healthy, I think I have a good chance. But it’s like my dad keeps telling me, I have to keep getting better, train like a pro and stay confident.”
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