Southlake Carroll punter, defensive end Zachary Hays commits to TCU football
One of the top punters in Dallas-Fort Worth announced his commitment Sunday.
Southlake Carroll senior athlete Zachary Hays pledged himself to the TCU Horned Frogs. Hays, a versatile player who contributes as a punter and defensive end, is a 247Sports three-star recruit.
Chris Sailer Kicking ranks him as a six-star specialist, the No. 1 punter in Texas and No. 2 in the nation. Even with the numerous accolades as a punter, he redefines the meaning of a specialist, contributing just as much on defense.
Ahead of Southlake Carroll’s Class 6A Division II quarterfinal clash against Denton Guyer, Hays has 20 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack and 5 QB hurries, according to Max Preps. As a junior, he earned District 4-6A First Team honors as a defensive end, recording 9.5 sacks.
Hays, with a 6-foot-3, 220 pound frame, will play in the Navy All-American Bowl on Jan. 10 after being selected as one of the nation’s best specialists.
Hays was previously committed to Louisiana Tech. He announced Thursday, Nov. 20 he received an offer from TCU and quickly made a decision to stay local and play for Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs.
He’ll join kicker Kyle Lemmermann, also a Southlake Carroll alum, in the Frogs’ special teams room. Other Fort Worth-area class of 2026 athletes that have committed to TCU include Arlington Martin’s Jesse Ford and Arlington Lamar’s Khamill Pruitt.
This story was originally published November 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM.
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