LB Hayward is a prospect to watch
College interest is growing for Salisbury (Md.) Wicomico junior linebacker Derrick Hayward. A solid season this past year has seen colleges pop up for the 6-foot-5, 195-pounder.
"It was a pretty good year, we went 10-2," he said. "I made it to the second round of the playoffs and had 61 tackles and six sacks. I made first team all-conference."
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It was the second year in a row he was named first team all-conference after posting 50 tackles and 10 sacks a year ago.
Though he played defensive end for Wicomico, Hayward is a versatile prospect.
"I played defensive end, but it was kind of like an outside linebacker," he said. "I would drop back in pass situations and I was a standup defensive end anyway."
With a second strong season, what kind of interest is coming?
"I don't have any offers, but I have interest from Duke, Michigan State and Georgia Tech," he said. "They are mostly sending letters to our coach.
"I haven't really been anywhere yet, but I think this spring my coach is taking Dontea Ayres and I to schools."
Does Hayward like anybody?
"I'm not sure yet, I haven't really looked at any schools yet," he said. "I want a college I can get an opportunity to play. I want a school with good academics and somewhere they have a good history of winning."
Hayward is cousin's with Ayres and has discussed a desire to play with him at the next level if possible.
"He is my cousin, of course I'd like to be with him, that would be good."