New Penn State pick is in on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine

Aliquippa (Pa.) running back Tiqwai Hayes is nearing the end of his recruitment. The three-star prospect announced on Tuesday morning that he has set a commitment date for Monday, September 25 at 3:30 at his high school. The trip will come on the heels of another visit to Penn State for the White Out against Iowa on Saturday.

Hayes has been a regular visitor for the Nittany Lions’ staff since his freshman year, with the Saturday trip being his 10th documented visit to Happy Valley according to On3. He was last in town for Penn State’s win over West Virginia earlier this month.

This morning, I entered a pick for Hayes to pick the Nittany Lions next week. It hasn’t always been a clear-cut conclusion, as Penn State already holds a commitment from a running back in the Class of 2025. Texas back Kiandrea Barker pledged to the Nittany Lions back in the spring. 

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Hayes has been incredibly productive during his career at Aliquippa. An all-state selection for the second time as a sophomore in 2022, Hayes ran for 1,981 yards and scored 33 touchdowns on the ground for the Quips, who finished 13-1 and fell in the Class 4A state finals to Bishop McDevitt. He was the Class 4A state Player of the Year as a freshman after running for 1,746 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Quips won a state title his freshman season in 2021.

Hayes came out with a top eight earlier this month that included Cincinnati, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Out of that group he has visited Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. 

Penn State assistant coaches Terry Smith and Ja’Juan Seider have been recruiting Hayes for the Nittany Lions.

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