The New Britain native was selected in the sixth round, 208th overall, by the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon, completing an unlikely journey from third string running back to NFL player.
"I just kept going and always believed in myself," Hairston said on Sunday. "(Going to CCSU) meant everything and I kept dreaming the dream. Now it has come true."
Hairston fell off a lot of NFL team's radar screens at Rutgers after he was dropped to third string behind fullback Brian Leonard, taken in the second round by the Rams on Saturday, and Heisman Trophy hopeful Ray Rice.
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His pro day at Yale University earlier this month vaulted him back onto the charts. He bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times and had a vertical leap of 39 inches, which is the best vertical leap of any running back at the combine. He also showed speed with a 4.47 time in the 40 yard dash.
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But it was the Patriots, whose vice-president of player personnel Scott Pioli is a CCSU alumnus, who took a chance on the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Hairston.
Hairston is projected as a workhorse type running back and will be expected to provide depth at running back with the retirement of Cory Dillon. Laurence Maronney is the Patriots' feature back, while Kevin Faulk is used on third downs. Hairston is a big power back and a physical runner but knows his place.
"They have the premier guy and the third-down back," Hairston said. "I have to come in and be a change of pace type of guy. I also have to go help out on special teams."
Hairston doesn't have to look far for advice on what Patriots training camp is like. He has spent the last two months working out with former New Britain High standout and Patriots' safety Tebucky Jones and had dinner with him on Saturday night.
Hairston knows that he is going to have to earn his way onto the roster and that sits well with him.
