Blueblacks Make Major Signing, Add Veteran Defensive Back Josh Hayes

The Kokomo Blueblacks are adding a proven playmaker to their secondary. Defensive back Josh Hayes joins the club with a résumé built on Division I experience, ball-hawking instincts, and years of production at Purdue University and Eastern Kentucky University.

“I’m excited to bring Josh Hayes into our organization,” said J.R. Robinson, owner of the Kokomo Blueblacks. “His experience and football IQ will make a strong addition to our team. I’m looking forward to working with him, helping him showcase his ability, and pushing him to the next level.”

Hayes made an immediate impact as a true freshman at Purdue in 2016, appearing in nine games and recording 13 tackles and his first collegiate interception against Eastern Kentucky. After redshirting in 2017, he continued his career at EKU, where he became a consistent presence in the defensive backfield.

In 2018, Hayes played in all 11 games and recorded 15 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. The following season, he started 11 games at cornerback and totaled 41 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. He intercepted passes against Louisville and No. 17 Southeast Missouri and posted a season-high seven tackles against Murray State.

Hayes continued to produce in 2020, finishing with 24 tackles and four pass deflections. He was selected to Phil Steele’s preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference team and broke up two passes in EKU’s Opportunity Bowl victory over Western Carolina.

As a graduate student in 2022, Hayes played in 10 games and made three starts. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions and added 16 tackles, including a season-high five against Bowling Green. He also recorded interceptions against Eastern Michigan and Charleston Southern. In 2021, he contributed nine tackles and three pass breakups in four appearances.

Before college, Hayes starred at Pike High School, earning All-State, All-Marion County, and All-Mid-State Conference honors as a senior. He recorded six interceptions, eight pass breakups, and 34 tackles in 2015, while also contributing on offense and serving as team captain and defensive MVP.

Hayes brings the Blueblacks a battle-tested defensive back with experience against top competition and a history of creating turnovers. Kokomo welcomes Josh Hayes to the organization and looks forward to seeing him bring his playmaking ability to the field.