EDGE RUSHER
CLASS OF 2027 · FLORIDA
Israel Hayward is an uncommitted Class of 2027 edge rusher (DE/EDGE) from Jacksonville, Florida. 6'4", 215 lbs, 4.6 forty-yard dash (verified), 77-inch wingspan, 10-inch hands. Currently holding offers from Bowling Green and Delaware State. Seeking additional scholarship opportunities.
Who Is Israel Hayward
Israel Hayward is a Class of 2027 Defensive End and Edge Rusher from Atlantic Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He is one of the most athletically measurable uncommitted edge rushers in the 2027 class, combining a verified 4.6 forty-yard dash with a 77-inch wingspan and 10-inch hand span at 6 feet 4 inches and 215 pounds.
His athletic profile is backed by documented film production. In his Fall 2025 season, his highlight reel includes 3 sacks, 1 strip sack (forced fumble), 3 tackles for loss, and 2 chase-down tackles across five Jacksonville-area opponents — Sandalwood, Beachside, Terry Parker, Mandarin, and Raines high schools.
Hayward is the son of Reggie Hayward, a 9-season NFL Defensive End who recorded 39.5 career sacks for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars. His brother, Samuel Hayward, is the highest-ranked recruit in the history of the West Point Army football program. He is coached privately by Roy Miller (9-year NFL DT, Jacksonville Jaguars) and Justin Renfrow (NFL/CFL veteran, private OL and edge rusher trainer, Jacksonville FL).
Why He Stands Out Among 2027 Florida Edge Rushers
The 2027 class in Florida is deep at the edge rusher position. What separates Israel Hayward from other 2027 Florida defensive ends in the same recruiting range is the combination of verified speed and measurable length. A 4.6 forty at 6'4" and 215 lbs is not a self-reported number — it was timed at a Boston College football camp in 2025 by college staff. His 77-inch wingspan exceeds his height, placing him above the arm-length standard NFL teams use when drafting defensive ends. His 10-inch hands are above the combine threshold for the position.
His frame has not finished developing. At 215 lbs as a junior, the standard college projection for his build puts him at 240–255 lbs after a college strength program — without sacrificing the 4.6 speed that is already on the board. His multi-sport track performance (javelin, #4 Florida state ranking, school record at Atlantic Coast HS) confirms the explosion is functional, not just weight-room generated.
His private coaching network is one of the strongest available to a high school lineman in Jacksonville. Roy Miller — 9-year NFL DT, Jacksonville Jaguars — has trained Hayward directly. Mark Duffner — 28 NFL seasons, multiple defensive coordinator roles — has contributed to his development. His high school defensive coordinator, Tony Gilbert, is a former NFL linebacker and Jacksonville Jaguars linebackers coach (2020–23).
Camp Résumé — 2025 Power Four Evaluations
Israel Hayward's 2025 college camp résumé includes six Power Four or FBS programs: West Virginia (Big 12), Notre Dame (Independent), Illinois (Big Ten), Nebraska (Big Ten), Boston College (ACC, where his 4.6 forty was verified), and University of Miami (ACC). He is a two-time Under Armour Next invite-only camp attendee (2025 and 2026) — a national invite-only evaluation platform with NFL combine-style testing.
Contact / Recruiting Info
College coaches may contact Israel directly or through his high school program. Film is available on Hudl. All recruiting inquiries are returned promptly.