Top defensive back recruit in Georgia down to four SEC schools and set to commit shortly after summer visits
The number one defensive back recruit in the state of Georgia is nearing his commitment decision amid a number of visits with top SEC college football programs this summer. Lagonza Hayward, an elite defensive back recruit from Lyons, Georgia has moved his commitment date yet again, and continues to flip flop between four top programs […]
The number one defensive back recruit in the state of Georgia is nearing his commitment decision amid a number of visits with top SEC college football programs this summer. Lagonza Hayward, an elite defensive back recruit from Lyons, Georgia has moved his commitment date yet again, and continues to flip flop between four top programs as to who is truly in the lead.
Hayward was apparently leaning towards the Tennessee Vols for much of the month of May, but then shifted more towards joining the Georgia Bulldogs shortly thereafter. Now fresh off a visit with South Carolina there's buzz the Gamecocks might be a good fit. So, what's the real deal with his recruitment? And what makes him so special? Let's dive in.
Lagonza Hayward's elite skill set
Many in the recruiting community weren't too familiar with Hayward's game prior to last fall, as he wasn't even rated by a couple of the major recruiting services. But once he started balling on both sides of the ball his talents were undeniable. A track star, basketball player, wide receiver, and an elite defensive back? He does it all.
Reel Analytics clocked him running over 21 miles per hour last season playing wide receiver on a long touchdown score that followed his flattening of a defensive back (in post below).
Hayward boasts elite long speed, incredible instincts, and consistently puts up great stats across the board as a tackler, ball hawk, and a physical force that can punch the ball out too. In less than a year Hayward has risen from relative unknown to Top 100 player in the nation and now has his choice of prime SEC schools to choose from.
Where will Lagonza Hayward commit?
Hayward has been narrowing his potential schools down for months, but looks like he finally has it down to four according to the latest from Chad Simmons of On3 (among other sources): Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida.
Hayward also visited both Florida State (twice) and Alabama this spring, so they might be wild cards to keep an eye on late, but overall it seems that his top four programs are clear.
Josh Heupel and Tennessee (according to Hayward) had a legit lead in May, but then Hayward had an incredible visit with the Bulldogs on the weekend of May 31st. Hayward's relationships with Kirby Smart and the Georgia staff, their recent proven success with defensive backs, and his possible early role there have made them the obvious and clear favorite as he's nearing the recruiting finish line.
If it isn't Georgia or Tennessee, South Carolina seems like a close third. Coach Shane Beamer has a thing for versatile athletes with incredible speed at both wide receiver and defensive back. The Gamecocks already boast perhaps the fastest set of receivers in the SEC, and it's clear they're looking to add the exact archetype Hayward fits.
Hayward still has an official visit to see Billy Napier and Florida this coming weekend, and then one with the Vols to wrap things up. After that he's moved his commitment date to August 7th. However, given how many times Hayward has moved his commitment date, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him make his choice before the end of the month. Georgia's likely done enough to keep him, but keep an eye on a few other schools as his recruitment comes to a close.
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And if you want to watch some Lagonza Hayward highlights from his incredible 2023 season to see how he could fit with your favorite college football team just check out the video below!
