Vols commit makes strong statement about his commitment to Tennessee
2025 four-star defensive back Lagonza Hayward, a Tennessee Vols commit since late July, created some panic on Rocky Top recently when took a visit to Athens for a Georgia Bulldogs football game. Hayward, 6-foot-1/200 lbs from Lyons, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 86 overall […]
2025 four-star defensive back Lagonza Hayward, a Tennessee Vols commit since late July, created some panic on Rocky Top recently when took a visit to Athens for a Georgia Bulldogs football game.
Hayward, 6-foot-1/200 lbs from Lyons, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 86 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.
The talented recruit was back at Tennessee this past weekend for the Vols' thrilling overtime win against the Florida Gators and he cleared the air on his commitment status.
“It was a great game….love being able to say I’m a Vol and I’m not flipping," said Hayward to On3. "This is home. Just to clear the air.”
Scouting report via 247Sports: 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.
There's no doubt that Georgia and other programs will continue to pursue Hayward, but it sounds like the coveted recruit is firmly locked in with the Vols.
