#BestOfThe2000s: Marcus Hayes

@UNMLoboFB on Twitter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —  He was only UNM’s punt returner for one season, but Marcus Hayes turned in a masterful performance, leading the nation in return yardage and ending the third longest punt return touchdown drought in the FBS.  For that, he was voted as the 20th member of the #BestOfThe2000s Lobo Football team.  

Hayes topped Holmon Wiggins and Ian Clark, as Hayes grabbed 45.9% of the vote while Clark and Wiggins tied at 20.2% each.  Dwight Counter was a close fourth in the voting which has been going on all month on UNM’s Football Twitter account.  UNM’s next vote will be for receiver.
 

Congrats to the 20th member of the #BestOfThe2000s team, punt returner Marcus Hayes, who led the nation in average in 2018! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/olt6NEEqan

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) April 24, 2020

The series is a way to engage Lobo fans with the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hayes, who redshirted in 2017, was brilliant in his lone season as the punt returner, leading the nation with a 21.2 yard average.  He had several key returns during the season, including a 56-yarder that led to a score against Colorado State, and a school-record tying 86-yard punt return against Boise State, which tied a 60-yard old Lobo record.  He returned just 15 punts on the season, but he amassed 318 yards, the fourth most in a season in Lobo history.  He also tied for the team lead in interceptions in 2018.
 

Lobo fans, we have had great receivers since 2000, but who will get on the #BestOfThe2000s team? We are taking your nominations all weekend! We know Hank Baskett will be in the voting, but who else you got? #GoLobos

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) April 24, 2020

#BestOfThe2000s Team (Selected by the Fans)