Georgia makes a move for 4-star safety Lagonza Hayward

Heading into this weekend, Georgia didn’t seem like one of the top contenders for Lagonza Hayward. Coming out of the weekend, that has changed.

“Georgia made a big move,” Hayward told On3. “I didn’t really know how Georgia felt about me before the visit, but they showed a lot of love all weekend, they showed me I am wanted and Georgia moved up my list.”

Tennessee has been trending for Hayward for months. Hayward has publicly stated that the Vols were his top school on multiple occasions, but after this visit to Athens, he wasn’t ready to talk who is on top of his list.

“I am still aiming for a commitment later this summer. I just have to take the rest of my official visits and see how I feel. Georgia really showed me a lot this weekend. Tennessee is a great school too. I go to South Carolina next weekend, then Florida after that, so I will see how I feel.”

Hayward is the No. 112 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. He has visits to South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee coming over the next three weeks.

Georgia’s player development stands out to Hayward

KJ Bolden and Demello Jones spent the weekend with Hayward. The trio hung out a lot, they talked football and the freshmen defensive backs gave Hayward a lot of information about the program they signed with.

“Georgia is the NFL prep,” Hayward said. “They were telling me about how Georgia is about getting you ready for the NFL. That is my goal. It was great to hear stuff from them about Georgia, the coaches and how they do things.”

Hayward’s end goal is to play on Sundays. Georgia is big on player development and that appeals to the home-state target.

“Georgia puts guys in the NFL. We broke down the Xs and Os and I like that, how they run a pro-style defense and how they run multiple coverages. Then it is Georgia. NFL scouts respect Georgia because of how the program is run and how they develop players.

“The most important thing for me is player development. I am not big on the NIL. It is the NFL for me. Georgia is the best vs. the best and being developed and getting that second and third NFL contract is my goal.”

Hayward likes the Georgia coaching staff

Travaris Robinson is Hayward’s lead recruiter. The two’s relationship started when Robinson was at Alabama. Since a visit down to Lyons (Ga.) Toombs County earlier this spring, their relationship has gone to another level.

“T-Rob and I clicked from the beginning,” Hayward said. “He saw a lot about me as a leader and what I am around my teammates in the spring. Since then, Georgia has been recruiting me with the full-court press. I like being around T-Rob and he is the kind of coach I would love to play for. I want to be pushed, worked hard and I know he would do that.”

Hayward has a similar feeling about Smart.

“Kirby played my position, he has been through his and I love his high IQ for the game. Then he is a defensive head coach and scouts love that. Kirby is great leader, he played at Georgia, he is the head coach at Georgia and he is leading them to championships. I like how he leads and a role model type of guy.”

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