Geno Hayes showed signs of being a quality starting linebacker after getting past his alarm clock issues on opening day.

Hayes played pretty well prior to the Bucs-Redskins game, flashing great speed and intelligent, instinctive play at times.

But on Sunday, Hayes had his breakthrough game, slashing into the backfield and making tackles for a loss. The 22-year-old out of Florida State even looked like a guy opposing offenses might need to gameplan for.

Raheem The Dream and Mark Dominik’s master offseason plan was for free agent signing Angelo Crowell and foolishly converted safety Jermaine Phillips to start at linebacker alongside Barrett Ruud.

When that plan blew up, Hayes and Quincy Black stepped into those roles. So far, Hayes looks up to it.

Black has been far too invisible, except when he’s out of position, letting Jason Campbell run past him, getting beat in coverage and committing penalties on special teams.