Former Tennessee commit Lagonza Hayward is heading to one of the Vols’ conference rivals after de-committing from Tennessee on Sunday.
Hayward made his decision at Toombs County High School on Wednesday afternoon, taking down his Tennessee pictures on the table before putting on a Florida Gators hat to symbolize his decision on stage. Hayward was surrounded by his family while making his commitment.
Hayward originally chose Tennessee over Florida and Georgia in July.
NEW: 4 ⭐️ DB Lagonza Hayward picks Florida over Georgia and Tennessee.
Hayward decommited from the Volunteers on Sunday, and signs to the Gators 3 days later. @ToombsDogs @LagonzaJr @WJCLNews pic.twitter.com/37t2ZzrQ37
— Pat Timlin (@pat_timlin) December 4, 2024
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The Lyons, GA, native ranks as a four-star prospect in the 2025 class. 247 Sports’ Composite Rankings have Hayward as the No. 72 player in the nation, the No. 9 safety in the 2025 class, and the No. 9 player from the state of Georgia.
Hayward was Tennessee’s fifth highest-rated commit overall and the Vols’ second highest-rated defensive commit prior to his de-commitment on Sunday afternoon.
Tennessee has had an eventful day nonetheless, though. Josh Heupel and his staff flipped Miami defensive back Timony Merritt to Tennessee on Wednesday and kept linebacker Christian Gass from flipping to Georgia despite a late push made by the Bulldogs throughout the fall.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee recruiting news and notes during the early signing period this week.
