TUNNEL HILL, Ga. — Mike Falleur isn’t someone who excessively doles out praise, so when he speaks of Dean Haynes, you can’t help but take notice.

“Dean Haynes is the best player I’ve had in my seven years here,” the Northwest Whitfield coach said of his senior quarterback/defensive back. “And we’ve had some great players here. In addition, he’s a great young man, legitimate in all aspects.”

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder’s measurables tell one tale. Haynes runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, has a 35-inch vertical jump and bench presses 300 pounds. He had 43 tackles and four interceptions for the Bruins last year, also excelling as a returner on special teams (he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Tucker in last year’s playoffs) and as the team’s backup quarterback.

In addition, he’s a two-time Region 7-AAAA triple-jump champion, was second in the region long jump competition and anchored the sprint relay teams. He also carries a 3.8 GPA, a big reason the Naval Academy, the Army and several high academic institutions are after him. Currently, Haynes has received, according to his coach, “15-to-20 offers.” Among those are from the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Middle Tenessee State University, East Carolina, Appalachian State University and Memphis. He expects an offer from North Carolina State University at any time.

“The coach said they were going to call back with an offer soon, so we’re just waiting on them before making the decision,” Haynes said. “I would say if they offer I’ll commit. I really love their program and their campus.”

Falleur plans to turn his star loose this fall, handing him the keys to the team’s spread offense, where his elusive running ability and improving arm will be the team’s focus. If the team’s spring game is any indication — 3-for-3 passing, 72 yards; 62 yards rushing and two touchdowns in two series — Dean Haynes will go a long way to proving his coach right.

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