Akeem Hayes to miss 4 games due to academic problems

Redshirt freshman wide receiver was a highly-touted receiving coming out of Hollywood, Florida in the 2018 class.

As a three star recruit, the primary headlines around his commitment to Kentucky was the fact that Mark Stoops and staff got him to flip to Kentucky after being committed to the University of Louisville.

After looking good during camp leading up to the season opener, Hayes stood out as a playmaker that could contribute to the Wildcats offense. That left many scratching their heads when he was completely left off of the depth chart earlier this week.

Prior to Saturday’s win over Toledo, UK confirmed that Hayes is not eligible to play right now due to academic problems. In fact, he will be unable to play for the first four games.

That means Hayes will miss upcoming games vs. the Eastern Michigan Eagles, Florida Gators and Mississippi St. Bulldogs.

The specifics of the academic issues are unclear. However, ending the summer academic session and going into the fall is not a common time to struggle with academic requirements. Now that he has had to miss time for this issue, you have to think Hayes will be motivated to turn it around as soon as possible.

Although several receivers proved they can make plays on Saturday against Toledo, you can never have enough speed and talent on the outside. If everything goes according to plan, Hayes will be eligible to return when the Wildcats travel to Columbia to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.

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