Tennessee RB Chase Hayden establishing rapport with Bobby Bentley

Running back Chase Hayden of Collierville, Tenn., is high up on South Carolina’s board, and recruiter Bobby Bentley was by the school earlier this week on a spring evaluation stop. Hayden has 16 offers with Oklahoma State the most recent and he has not narrowed his list.

Of his offers, Hayden said the ones he most focused on are USC, Arkansas, Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi State and Illinois. This spring he has visited USC, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi State and he plans to visit Oklahoma State and Illinois. He also plans to revisit USC this summer

Hayden said he has no favorite at this point. USC, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Missouri have been by his school.

As for what he hears from his USC recruiter, Hayden said Bentley has a simple message.

"An opportunity to compete for early playing time," he said. Oklahoma State he said is making the same pitch.

Hayden said he is developing a strong relationship with Bentley and the Gamecocks are recruiting him hard at this point. He does not have a timetable for a decision.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Tennessee RB Chase Hayden establishing rapport with Bobby Bentley."