The early signing day action continued on early Wednesday afternoon with an official decision from four-star safety [autotag]Lagonza Hayward[/autotag] in the 2025 cycle.
The 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound defensive back from Lyons (Georgia) Toombs County chose the Orange and Blue over the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers at 1:05 p.m. ET, giving the Gators his John Hancock on the official papers. With that, Billy Napier and Co. sneak back into the 247Sports team recruiting rankings top 10, leapfrogging the Vols in the process.
Despite the big-name suitors, Florida ultimately won out thanks to the staff’s transparency with their schemes and how Hayward would fit into the system.
“We were talking about how free safety and strong safety, and they want me to play both, whatever I feel like I want to play,” he offered previously. “Sometimes they’ll move me around because they run a multiple defense. It just depends on what team they’re playing.”
Hayward also raved about the vibes in Gainesville this summer.
“I can go there and get developed, play early, and it’s a great atmosphere,” he noted. “Just being in an atmosphere, you just got to love being there, loving the organization and the program.”
Recruiting Summary
Hayward is ranked No. 72 overall and No. 9 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 81 and 9, respectively.
247Sports provided the following scouting report on the defensive back.
“An explosive three-phase playmaker who 247Sports stamped as a four-star in the Fall of 2023 and has continued on an upward trajectory into 2024,” it begins. “Verified around 6-foot-1, 200 pounds with a well-built upper body, athletic lower half, and positive arm and wingspan measurements which should allow him to continue adding muscle before eventually settling in around 225 pounds at the next level”
The scouting report continues, “Rare two-way talent at wideout and defensive back that could be graded as an athlete considering collegiate programs are recruiting him on both sides of the ball, but likely has a higher ceiling as a defensive back prospect. Expansive multi-sport background speaks to his overall athleticism which directly translates at the prep level on Friday nights and in camp settings against elite competition.
“Plays with a hot motor and violent intentions which results in impressive takeaway production and a fair share of bone-shattering collisions. Triggers effectively whether the ball is in the air or on the ground and pursues with a fanatical level of determination. Will offer significant special teams value moving forward.
“Intriguing combination of ready-to-play football instincts and long-term athletic upside make Hayward one of the more compelling prospects in the state of Georgia at this stage of the evaluation process. Should be viewed as a potential impact player for College Football’s elite programs with significant NFL draft upside,” it concludes.
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