Four-star safety in 2025 For their yearly “865 Live” event, Lagonza Hayward (Lyons, Ga.) is paying a visit to the Tennessee Volunteers.
The Tennessee Volunteers have made Toombs County safety Lagonza Hayward their top priority ever since they extended an offer to him at the end of 2023. After recording 48 tackles, three for loss, four pass deflections, and three interceptions in his junior season, the gifted Georgia native attracted the attention of multiple national heavyweights.
Hayward traveled to Knoxville, TN, for their yearly “865 Live” occasion. He claimed that the Vols are showing him the greatest interest and appear to be leading the competition for his services at the moment, but he plans to attend all of his formal visits before making a decision.
Prospect: Lagonza Hayward
Projected Position: STAR / Safety
Vitals: 6-1 and 200 pounds
School: Toombs County High School (Lyons, Ga.)
Hayward’s build is advanced for someone his age; in college, he may play safety or linebacker depending on the situation. That probably indicates that he will play linebacker or in-the-box safety at the next level.
Although his innate athleticism will allow him to play a variety of positions, many believe that once he gets to college, his strong lower body will allow him to play linebacker. Athleticism: Among the 2025 cycle’s most outstanding downhill tacklers.
Hayward employs lengthy, compact strides to consume distance and closes the gap rapidly. Even as a deep safety, he’s a valuable weapon in the run game because of his ability to close gaps and execute in tight spaces.
Instincts: A solid, well-versed football player who frequently executes flawless runs throughout the run game. Hayward can move quickly downhill, but he can also play an assignment-sound run scheme because he can fit his gaps and select his alley well. When he returns to a “Robber” role, he can also cover well and move freely throughout the middle of the field.
Polish: Hayward’s polish is an intriguing combination, particularly in light of the possibility that he will move positions once he enters a college.
He can acquire weight if he moves to the linebacker position. He needs to increase his coverage fluidity if he wants to become a safety. He does a good job in the transitional position, though, so it might work in college.
Though he would need to make a few minor adjustments in either case, his present progression status indicates he could be a good fit for either role.
Bottom Line: It’s evident from watching the footage that Hayward has been Tennessee’s defensive backfield major priority. He is the kind of multifaceted defender that this coaching staff is looking for, as he seamlessly blends two skill sets.
Tennessee’s 2025 Recruiting Class
George MacIntyre, QB
Justin Baker, RB
Radarious Jackson, WR
Joakim Dodson, WR
Jack VanDorselaer, TE
Antoni Kade Aguon Ogumoro, OL
Ethan Utley, DL
Dylan Lewis, CB
Tyler Redmond, CB
Sidney Walton, S
