South Carolina Football: Gamecocks make top list for another elite defensive back

South Carolina football defensive backs coach Torrian Gray has been putting in work in his class of 2025 recruiting efforts. Gray already has secured commitments from 4-star cornerback Shamari Earls and in-state safety Damarcus Leach, and 4-star safety Kendall Daniels, Jr. has USC on his list of finalists.

On Tuesday, the Gamecocks made another top schools list as 4-star defensive back Lagonza "Shaedy" Hayward put the South Carolina football program in his top-7.

Hayward's full top-7 included the South Carolina Gamecocks, Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators, Southern Cal Trojans, Florida State Seminoles, and Tennessee Volunteers.

Hayward seems to really like several schools, and the Gamecocks have made a major move to get into the mix in recent weeks. Recently, he named Tennessee as the leader in his recruitment and that he likely would make his college decision sometime in August, but he has had plenty of good things to say about the South Carolina football program.

Rated as a safety by three of the four major national recruiting outlets, Hayward is ranked as an athlete by Rivals thanks to his explosiveness as a wide receiver. However, his college future is in the secondary.

As a player, Hayward is a really good athlete at the safety position as he stands 6'1" and weighs 200 pounds already while boasting solid speed and leaping explosion numbers. He uses that athleticism to close ground and make plays on the ball when it is in the air, but his best trait on film so far has been his ability to separate a receiver from the football with well-timed and violent hits.

Hayward's hard-hitting nature helps him as a run-support player, but he is not limited only to stopping the run and hitting receivers hard if given the opportunity. Thanks to his receiver experience, he has good ball skills and makes good breaks on the football.

Hayward also is the type of player who could be an impact player on special teams, both in the return game and on coverage units.

You can watch some of his film here.