Hall of Fame
Mayes was a native of Irmo, S.C. and a four-year starter at defensive tackle for the Newberry College football team from 1995-98. He was named Defensive Player of the Game six times and was a preseason All-America and All-South Atlantic Conference selection in 1998. He led the defensive line in total tackles and tackles for loss all four seasons. Mayes helped the Indians to a 3-1 record against arch-rival Presbyterian. Over his final two seasons he compiled 101 total tackles including 25 tackles for loss and eight quarterback sacks. He registered the game-clinching sack to seal the victory against Division I-AA Wofford College in 1995 and returned a fumble for a 67-yard touchdown against #1 ranked Carson Newman in 1998. Mayes registered 19 tackles for loss in just 10 games in 1998 and finished fifth on the team in tackles from his defensive tackle position in 1997 with 52 total tackles including six for loss and five and a half quarterback sacks. He was the recipient of the Nelson Scofield Athletic Scholarship Award in 1998.
