Linebacker Daelin Hayes decommits from USC in wake of Sarkisian’s absence

Linebacker Daelin Hayes announced he would withdraw his commitment from USC’s 2016 recruiting class following athletic director Pat Haden’s announcement that Coach Steve Sarkisian would take an indefinite leave of absence.

UPDATE: USC fires Steve Sarkisian

“At this time my family and I feel that it is in my best interest to de-commit from the University of Southern California and open my recruitment process,” Hayes wrote in a Tweet. “I’d like to thank the USC Coaching staff for the opportunities that they have placed before me.”

Hayes signed a financial-aid agreement with USC less than a month ago.

The agreement is binding for the university, but not for the recruit.

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Hayes, from Skyline High in Ann Arbor, Mich., made his verbal commitment to the Trojans in July, 2014.

The 6-feet-4, 250-pounds Hayes is considered one of the top linebackers in the 2016 class.

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