Lagonza Hayward, four-star Safety, flips from Tennessee to Florida

Lagonza Hayward, four-star Safety, flips from Tennessee to Florida

The Florida Gators picked up a huge signing in four-star safety Lagonza Hayward. Hayward is a 6 foot 1 inch 200-pound safety from Toombs County in Lions Georgia. The Georgia native had a wild recruitment process as he was pursued by Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina. Hayward had chosen Tennessee in the summer before flipping fellow SEC rival Florida.

Hayward is the No. 164 overall prospect and the No. 14 ranked safety in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to 247 Sports. Florida currently has the 11 best 2025 class according to 247 Sports. He is their 13th four-star recruit and he will form a formidable safety duo with top-ten-ranked safety Hylton Stubbs, who also committed to Florida.

Hayward’s recruitment process had its ups and downs but he believes he will be able to play some meaningful minutes for the Gators. He talked about what his role would be with the team saying, 

“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,” – Lagonza Hayward.

He continued talking about his fit on the defense.

“Sometimes they’ll move me around because they run a multiple defense. It just depends on what team they’re playing.” – Lagonza Hayward.

Florida under head coach Billy Napier had a decent 2024 season. They finished with a 7-5 record but had major wins against Florida State, No. 9 Ole Miss, and No. 22 LSU. The Gators will look to get back into the contender conversation next year and they have a solid 2025 recruiting class coming in next year. Safety Lagonza Hayward is another big four-star defensive addition for the Florida Gators. He will help the Gators force more turnovers as Florida was tied for 47 with 11 interceptions in the 2024 season.

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