Film Analysis: Lagonza Hayward Has Many SEC Safety Tools
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2025 four-star safety Lagonza Hayward (Lyons, Ga.) is a major target for the Tennessee Volunteers. We went to the tape to break down his game.
Toombs County High School safety Lagonza Hayward is a newer name in Tennessee recruiting circles, but he's gaining traction quickly. The coaching staff offered him on November 4, 2023, and he's been to campus for a gameday already. Hayward will return in the spring for practice and in the summer for his official visit.
Hayward has official visits scheduled with Alabama, Florida State, and Tennessee. The in-state Georgia Bulldogs also recently entered the picture and could be a major contender, but the Vols are also high up on his list. Hayward ranks as the No. 113 prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports' Composite Rankings. Volunteer Country went to the tape to break down his junior film to see why the Vols were pushing hard.
Powerful Frame
Hayward measures 6-1 and 200 pounds with a powerful lower half. He runs through contact well on tape and finishes his tackles. Hayward already has an advanced frame with a full year left in a high school weight room before reaching a college campus. His muscle doesn't diminish his athletic twitch, as Hayward still flips his hips really well when guarding crossers over the middle of the field.
Eye Discipline
Toombs County let Hayward play deep safety during his junior season, but he also spent time in the "Robber" role in the middle of the field. He routinely baited quarterbacks into tough throws, leaving a wide receiver appearing more open than they were. Hayward matched the quarterback's progression through their dropbacks and then broke on the ball when it was released.
Ball Skills
Hayward has impressive wide receiver tape and plays the ball well out of the air. He would likely be a college-level prospect if he chose to play offense, though his future is at safety. He does do a nice job of taking the ball away at the highpoint from his matchup, catching the ball out in front of him, and holding it through the ground.
2025 4-star S Lagonza Hayward during an unofficial visit to Georgia Tech. (Photo courtesy of Lagonza Hayward)
Tennessee's 2025 Recruiting Class
- George MacIntyre, QB
- Justin Baker, RB
- Joakim Dodson, WR
- Jack VanDorselaer, TE
- Dylan Lewis, CB
- Tyler Redmond, CB
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