"The atmosphere wasn't that compared to the Neyland Stadium": Volunteers' commit, Lagonza Hayward says that he was not swayed by his visit to Georgia

Four-star safety from Toombs County High School, Lagonza Hayward, announced his commitment to the Tennessee Volunteers on July 27. He chose the Volunteers over his home-state school of Georgia and spoke about it in an interview with Phillip Dukes on On3 Recruits' show, "5-Star Flex."

Hayward claimed that he attended a Georgia game for the first time earlier this month. The four-star prospect was in Athens to watch the Bulldogs win against the Auburn Tigers on Sunday, October 6.

Hayward compared the atmospheres at Sanford Stadium and Tennessee's Neyland Stadium and declared the Vols' home as the winner.

"It was cool. It was cool being around them because I never seen a Georgia game.... The atmosphere wasn't that compared to Neyland Stadium, but it was a cool vibe."

Lagonza Hayward is a top-10 player at his position in the Class of 2025, as per On3. The 6-foot-1 athlete is ranked No.119 nationally and is the 13th-best overall prospect from the state of Georgia.

Lagonza Hayward has led Toombs County High School to an unbeaten record this season

Toombs County High School is currently 6-0 this season, thanks in large part to four-star safety, Lagonza Hayward. The Georgia native has made a major two-way impact on the Bulldogs this campaign, leading the team in receiving yards per game despite being a defenseman.

Hayward has recorded 12 total tackles in six games so far and has caught 27 passes for 334 yards and four touchdowns. In the Bulldogs' recent win against the Savannah Country Day Hornets on October 18, Hayward caught eight passes for 82 yards and scored the game's first touchdown.

The safety was just as effective on the defensive side of the ball, accumulating four total tackles and two pass deflections, leading his team to a comfortable 33-21 victory. He and the Bulldogs are set to take on the Vidalia Indians tonight.

Hayward has been a consistent performer for Toombs County throughout his four seasons with the team. He has racked up 2,092 yards on 129 receptions and has scored 20 touchdowns, while also amassing 120 total tackles and eight interceptions in 39 games.

The four-star safety received offers from top programs such as Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Alabama and USC, but decided to verbally commit to the Tennessee Volunteers in late July.