Tennessee received big news on Saturday afternoon with a commitment from class of 2025 safety Lagonza “Shaedy” Hayward Jr.
The four-star prospect announced his commitment on Instagram to give Josh Heupel his 19th commitment in the 2025 class.
247 Composite Rankings have Hayward as a top 100 player in the class, the No. 11 safety, and the No. 12 player from the state of Georgia.
While Hayward is listed as a safety on all recruiting platforms, the 6-foot-1 prospect has talent on both sides of the ball. Hayward is a two-way player at Toombs County High School in Lyons, GA, as a defensive back and wide receiver. The newest Tennessee commit racked up seven receiving touchdowns and three interceptions during his junior season, while also tallying 727 receiving yards on 26 receptions, 48 tackles, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Hayward’s multi-sport background in track and basketball also plays in unison with his natural athleticism on the field.
“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,” 247 analyst Hudson Standish wrote in an evaluation.
Hayward ranks as the Vols’ top-rated defensive commit and second highest-rated overall commit in the 2025 cycle so far according to 247’s rankings.
More from RTI: Tennessee Beats Out Georgia and Florida for Four-Star Safety Lagonza Hayward
Here’s a look at some of the two-way highlights from Tennessee four-star safety commit Lagonza “Shaedy” Hayward:
Lagonza Hayward Jr.
