As a running back, Jaden Haywood has torn apart defenses the past three seasons with his ability to hit the holes quickly and then cut past oncoming would-be tacklers.
The East Hamilton senior is just as bright a game-changing star when he lines up on the other side of the ball, though.
Haywood’s closing speed, jumping ability, length and play recognition have helped him stand out as one of the area’s top cornerbacks.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder showcased his lockdown ability in the secondary in a matter of seconds during a preseason matchup at Finley Stadium earlier this month. He broke up two passes on the first series against Heritage, which included knocking the ball out of receiver Brayden Stoker’s hands on a deep throw down the middle of the field.
In last week’s regular-season opener, Haywood defended another playmaker, Hixson’s Ryan Burney, and was able to bracket him on a fade route and come down with the interception.