“Chasing dreams, not distractions,” declared Dallan Hayden, as he stepped into his role as Colorado’s running back earlier this year. For those who know Dallan’s story, this mantra comes as no surprise. Born into a family where sports are more than just a passion, but a legacy, Dallan’s path seemed almost destined. His father, Aaron Hayden, once powered through NFL defenses as a running back, and his older brother, Chase Hayden, made his mark in collegiate football. Watching his father and brother, Dallan was captivated by the game from a young age.

To hone his skills, Dallan attended Christian Brothers High School, a Catholic institution known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on discipline. It was here that Dallan learned the values of consistency and perseverance—traits that would become the bedrock of his football journey. Under the guidance of Coach Thomas McDaniel, Dallan’s talents quickly blossomed, and he became an indispensable player on the Christian Brothers High School football team.

By his sophomore year, Dallan was already making a name for himself in Tennessee’s high school football scene. His breakout came during his senior year when he rushed for an astounding 2,002 yards and scored 33 touchdowns, leading his team to an unforgettable season. His extraordinary performance earned him the prestigious title of Mr. Football in Tennessee, solidifying his status as one of the state’s top athletes.

As he graduated from high school, Dallan’s reputation soared. Ranked as a four-star prospect, he attracted attention from top college recruiters across the country. His accolades didn’t stop there—he was named a MaxPreps All-American, joining the ranks of the nation’s elite high school players, and earned a spot on the All-State team for his exceptional contributions on the field.

After having a successful high school career, Dallan caught the attention of many well-known colleges and received offers from Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State, among others. From which he selected to play for Ohio State University. Ohio offers many advantages that might have attracted Hayden, such as being able to play under head coach Ryan Day and Tony Alford running back coach.

Dallan arrived in Ohio in 2022. Soon after arriving, he showcased his skills on the gridiron by rushing for 553 yards and scoring five touchdowns in ten games that he played in his freshman year. One of his notable performances was when he played a key role in the team’s offense against Georgia during the college football playoff semifinal.

Dallan Hayden’s transfer to Colorado

In his sophomore year, he faced an injury that made him setback, and he appeared only in three games. However, he never took a break and learned from watching his teammates. Hayden changed his mind and continued his collegiate journey at the University of Colorado and broke the news on April 22, 2024.

Dallan’s future at Colorado looks promising as he shares the competitive running back room with Sy’veon Wilkerson, Dylan Edwards, and Micah Welch. He is up to fill the gap created when Alton McCaskill left the team. With Dallan’s experience and understanding of games, Colorado fans are expecting high from him when the season is just a few days away.