Asked recently if he had a favorite pass-rush move, Titans second-year DE William Hayes answered the question like a seasoned veteran.

“It’s just whatever the offensive lineman struggles with, that’s what I try to win with,” he said.

Hayes, 24, looks like he’ll be a tough matchup for opponents for years to come. Since replacing Jevon Kearse at left end in Week Five, Hayes has gotten better and better, and his vast potential was highlighted in his play in recent victories over San Francisco and Buffalo. He notched at least one sack in each game and forced a fumble in each contest.

Hayes, who starred at Winston-Salem State before being selected in the fourth round (No. 103 overall) of the 2008 NFL draft by Tennessee, appeared in eight games as a reserve as a rookie, and he found the transition to the Titans’ system tough.

“I came out of the system in college where I was always able to freelance,” Hayes told PFW. “… Now I’m (following) the proper protocols.”

Hayes has worked closely with DL coach Jim Washburn, renowned for being an excellent teacher. Throughout the offseason, Hayes aimed to refine his technique. He also made changes to his diet, foregoing fast food (including the McDonald’s $1 double cheeseburgers that he had grown particularly fond of) for healthier fare.

“I was too heavy,” Hayes said. “I couldn’t move. I was tired.”

He added, “I ran a 4.5 (in the 40-yard dash), but I looked like 4.8 on film. I wanted to change that.”

He also has benefited from working with Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch, a pair of former Pro Bowlers who haven’t hesitated to help him.

“They just want you to be successful,” Hayes said. “That’s the type of people they are.”

Hayes continues to work on his craft; keeping the proper shoulder-pad level is something he’s working on particularly closely, as is his hand placement and usage.

As Hayes has picked up his play, so have the Titans, who have rebounded after an 0-6 start in impressive fashion. Hayes told PFW the Titans’ collective focus and sense of urgency has improved after the unexpectedly tough beginning to the season.

“We’re not making as many mental errors,” he said.

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