'25 GA S Lagonza Hayward (Florida)

#657
#657
kamoshika said:
An explosive three-phase playmaker who 247Sports stamped as a four-star in the Fall of 2023 and has continued on an upward trajectory into 2024. Verified around 6-foot-1, 200 pounds with a well-built upper body, athletic lower half, and positive arm and wingspan measurements which should allow him to continue adding muscle before eventually settling in around 225 pounds at the next level. Rare two-way talent at wideout and defensive back that could be graded as an athlete considering collegiate programs are recruiting him on both sides of the ball, but likely has a higher ceiling as a defensive back prospect. Expansive multi-sport background speaks to his overall athleticism which directly translates at the prep level on Friday nights and in camp settings against elite competition. Plays with a hot motor and violent intentions which results in impressive takeaway production and a fair share of bone-shattering collisions. Triggers effectively whether the ball is in the air or on the ground and pursues with a fanatical level of determination. Will offer significant special teams value moving forward. Intriguing combination of ready-to-play football instincts and long-term athletic upside make Hayward one of the more compelling prospects in the state of Georgia at this stage of the evaluation process. Should be viewed as a potential impact player for College Football's elite programs with significant NFL Draft upside.

- Hudson Standish, 247Sports National Analyst​

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That says he really is a 5 star.
 
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#665
#665

The Scout​

Prior to Hayward’s commitment to the Vols, Volquest caught up with On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power to get his thoughts on the versatile defender.

“Lagonza Hayward is a pure football player,” Power said of Hayward’s game. “He is a fantastic three-phase player at the high school level and is a guy who just makes a ton of plays at every opportunity on Friday nights, which I think is a great starting point when we’re evaluating back seven defenders as safeties and linebackers. We really look for how are these guys as football players, and I think Lagonza Hayward is fantastic in that regard. He moved up for us in our recent On300 update, and I think there’s just so much to like about what he brings to the table.”

“For starters, he has really good size. He’s around 6-1 and over 200 pounds. Has good length at the position. As a safety he is very versatile.

He can play in coverage, and he’s extremely physical. Love how he embraces contact, seeks out contact. I think he separates himself within the safety group in that regard. And just that he is a strong tackler. He can lay some hits. He’s got good striking power. He is a guy who just kind of has a knack for being around the ball. He’s just kind of a natural playmaker. We see that on special teams, on offense. With his ball skills at the safety position, I think projects well. Love the mentality he plays with. Younger for the cycle as well. He could easily be a 2026 prospect. He will turns 17 in late July. He will not turn 18 until right before his freshman year of college, so there is still a lot of room for growth there. I think with Lagonza Hayward, it is a guy who is already a great football player. He is well-rounded as a safety prospect and has room to continue to get better. I think he has the mentality to get better.”

Power believes the addition of Hayward is one Tennessee fans should be fired up about.

“Ultimately, long term it is going to be interesting to see where his body ends up,” Power added. “It is not out of the realm of possibility he could be a hybrid linebacker/safety. I think that is kind of wait-and-see how his body responds to being in a college strength and conditioning program. Regardless, I think this is a really good national prospect and one that Tennessee fans should be excited about landing. This is a guy who was coveted by top programs, and he is a guy who is really fun to watch. I think for us, he is currently a top-five safety in the cycle. He is just a pure football player that I think Vols fans should be very excited about.”

What does this mean for the Secondary?​

While Hayward could end up being a hybrid defender, he currently projects to start at safety, and he is another key addition to a secondary class the Vols are excited about. Hayward is a natural football player with a nose for the ball, and he loves to make big plays. He is a wild card that the Vols can get creative with over the coming years, and he strengthens a secondary class that already has plenty of potential.

-VQ
 
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#675
#675
TN-POSSUM said:
Georgia fans are the worst. That fan base puts off a Big10 elitist vibe that makes even tOSU fans jealous
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They were painfully obnoxious before they won a couple NC's when they really had nothing to be obnoxious about. Being douche canoes is just in their blood apparently. Now it has gone to a whole new level.
 
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