Tennessee Vols regain momentum for key 2025 4-star recruit
The Tennessee Vols have long been viewed as the favorites to land 2025 four-star defensive back Lagonza Hayward. But last month, On3's Chad Simmons suggested that South Carolina overtook Tennessee as the team to beat for the Georgia native. "As it stands right now, the Gamecocks have grabbed that momentum away from Georgia and Tennessee," said […]
The Tennessee Vols have long been viewed as the favorites to land 2025 four-star defensive back Lagonza Hayward.
But last month, On3's Chad Simmons suggested that South Carolina overtook Tennessee as the team to beat for the Georgia native.
"As it stands right now, the Gamecocks have grabbed that momentum away from Georgia and Tennessee," said Simmons in early June.
On Tuesday, On3's Steve Wiltfong noted that Tennessee has reemerged as the program to beat for Hayward, who is set to announce his commitment on July 27.
"Tennessee is again emerging as the program to beat for the Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County safety," wrote Wiltfong.
Wiltfong also pointed out that Tennessee received Hayward's final visit, which should be a good sign for the Vols.
Hayward, 6-foot-1/200 lbs from Lyons, GA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 11 player in the state of Georgia. He's also rated as the No. 82 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.
Suffice it to say, this would be a big-time get for Tennessee. On the flip side, missing on Hayward would be brutal for the Vols after sitting in the pole position for most of this recruiting battle.
South Carolina and Florida are also in the mix for Hayward.
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