Damione Lewis says CU newcomers Dayon Hayes and Samuel Okunlola have NFL potential

The Colorado Buffaloes’ coaching staff is flush with former NFL players, including new defensive line coach Damione Lewis . And according to Lewis, multiple big names within his position group have the potential to play on Sundays.

On Tuesday, Lewis mentioned Pitt transfer defensive linemen Samuel Okunlola and Dayon Hayes as players with potential NFL futures. Okunlola and Hayes combined for nine sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss with the Panthers last season, and both have since made their way to Boulder to play for head coach Deion Sanders.

Lewis, a former first-round draft pick who played 10 seasons in the NFL, was asked about what makes Hayes and Okunlola special, and the assistant coach responded by praising their work ethics (h/t Scott Procter of the Coloradoan ):

“It’s their motor and attention to detail,” Lewis said of Hayes and Okunlola. “(Hayes) is coming in and doing exactly what we’re asking him to. He’s competing at a high level, he’s turning and running to the ball and he’s exuding some leadership in the room as well.

“Sam just works. You get him out there and he’s going to work. He’s your workhorse and he’s going to do everything you ask him to with the best of his ability. Those guys, I have nothing but positive things for them and I see them possibly having a chance to go play on Sundays.”

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