Multi-talented ATH Lagonza Hayward (6-1 200) of Lyons, GA recently disclosed his top seven, and South Carolina was on the list. Hayward also had Tennessee, Florida State, Southern Cal, Florida, Georgia and Alabama among his favorites. Monday night, Hayward went even deeper saying the Gamecocks, Vols and Seminoles comprise his top three.
USC is recruiting Hayward as a safety, so secondary coach Torian Gray has been his primary point of contact with the program. He made a visit to Columbia to watch a spring practice.
“They’ve been recruiting me for a little minute, but I never got to go down there,” Hayward said. “When I went down there, it kind of change my mind. I thought Coach Gray just wanted me come down like everybody else does. He was actually meaning what he says, that that program is special.”
While at the practice, Hayward focused on the play of the defense and came away impressed by what he saw.
“The defense has got a lot of energy. I like that because the defense was leading the team the whole practice,” Hayward said. “Mainly what caught my eye was the strength and conditioning staff. That, plus knowing Coach Gray’s background. Past two years, three Freshmen All-Americans, and the guys he’s put in the league. And Beamer Ball is on the uprise at South Carolina, and his dad was a great coach, and he’s a great coach. All of that just adds up.”
Hayward said Gray likes that he’s an athlete who can play all over the field, but feels his skills are best suited for a safety spot.
“The thing he always brings up when he sees me is like, you’ve got the size of a D-1 defensive back right now. You’re bigger than most of them right now,” he said. “Then, you can move in space, and then you can tackle, and then you can cover.”
Hayward has set official vistis to Georgia May 31st, Southern Cal June 7th, Florida June 14th and Tennessee June 21st. He said those were set before he and Gray talked about an official visit with the Gamecocks, which he still hopes to make. He plans to make his decision in August.
Last season Hayward had 48 tackles with four pass break ups and three interceptions. He also caught 26 passes for 727 yards and seven touchdowns.