ISRAEL HAYWARD
DEFENSIVE END · 2027
Class of 2027 Defensive End / Edge Rusher. Atlantic Coast High School, Jacksonville, Florida. 6'4", 215 lbs · 77" wingspan · 10" hands · 4.6 forty (verified) · 225×13 bench (jr yr) · 4.05 GPA · Uncommitted.
Israel Hayward is a Class of 2027 Defensive End from Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He is the son of Reggie Hayward, who played nine seasons as a Defensive End in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 39.5 career sacks. Israel's brother, Samuel Hayward, is the highest-ranked recruit in the history of the West Point Army football program. Football is the family background — Israel Hayward is building his own chapter.
Athletic Profile — Speed, Size & Strength
The defining characteristic of Israel Hayward as a defensive end prospect is the combination of speed and size. A 4.6 forty-yard dash is rare at 6'4" and 215 lbs. It was verified at the Boston College football camp in 2025. His 77-inch wingspan exceeds his standing height, giving him reach advantages in pass rush, run defense, and pass deflection. His 10-inch hands are above the NFL combine threshold for the defensive end position.
His 225-lb bench press for 13 repetitions as a junior confirms point-of-attack strength before his senior development cycle. He is ranked #4 in Florida in the javelin throw with a school record of 52.08 meters — track performance that confirms his explosive athleticism is functional and multi-directional, not weight-room constructed.
Fall 2025 Film Production
Israel Hayward's Fall 2025 highlight reel includes 3 sacks, 1 strip sack / forced fumble, 3 tackles for loss, and 4 tackles across five Jacksonville-area opponents. Two chase-down plays — a sack (vs. Sandalwood) and a tackle (vs. Beachside) — confirm that his 4.6 forty-yard dash speed is visible and functional on film. A dominant three-play game vs. Raines (sack, TFL, chase-down tackle) is the high point of the reel.
Full film is available on Hudl: hudl.com/profile/20522891/Israel-Hayward/highlights
Private Development Coaching Staff
Roy Miller — University of Texas First-Team All-Big 12; 2009 Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP; Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3rd round, 2009 NFL Draft); Jacksonville Jaguars ($16.25M contract extension); Kansas City Chiefs; 9 NFL seasons. Trained Israel at Providence School prior to Atlantic Coast.
Justin Renfrow — University of Miami (ACC All-Academic); NFL: Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers; 2018 CFL Grey Cup Champion; private OL and edge rusher trainer, Jacksonville Beach FL.
Mark Duffner — 28 NFL seasons; defensive coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; defensive coordinator, Cincinnati Bengals; Jacksonville Jaguars linebackers coach (2006–2013).
Aaron "Tank" Jones — Founder, Trench Gorillas; Jacksonville-based OL/DL development program.
High school defensive coordinator: Tony Gilbert — former NFL linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons; Jaguars linebackers coach 2020–2023; All-SEC, University of Georgia.