Is it possible Willie Hayward can improve on last season?
If so, there are likely to be a host of NFL teams sending the FAMU senior wide receiver first-class tickets to visit their stadium.
All Hayward has to do is match his numbers from 2006 Ð when the lanky Miami native had a break-out season - and he's likely to hear his name called during next year's NFL Draft.
While opposing defenses keyed on All-America-candidate receiver Roosevelt Kiser last season, Hayward took advantage and led the team in touchdown catches and yards receiving. He finished fourth in the league in receiving yards per game (61.3).
It was no surprise when Hayward was named to the all-conference preseason team earlier this summer.
Pretty impressive for a player who was a walk-on for former football coach Billy Joe, a second-generation Rattler whose father was the head drum major during the undefeated 1977 season.
Yet few saw this coming as the 2006 season began. Hayward played in just seven games as a sophomore, recording a mere eight catches for 114 yards and one touchdown. Those season stats read like a typical game for Hayward last season.
Linebacker Vernon Wilder views quarterback Albert Chester's favorite target as easily the premier wide receiver in the league.
“Willie's probably one of the best receivers in the country,” Wilder said. “He can run, can catch Ð all the tools. He has the mind-set of knowing he's one of the best in the country.
“He takes advantage of his gifts. He works out hard every day. Never has excuses. He feels like there is no stopping him, which is how you have to be if you want to be great.”
Hayward is blessed with natural athleticism. He was a standout in three sports in high school, earning all-county honors in basketball and all-region in track for his performances in the long and triple jumps.
He's also tall - Hayward's listed at 6-foot-5 - which only helps when battling defensive backs for a high pass.
But what impresses cornerback Michael Creary, Hayward's teammate, is how hard Hayward works. Hayward's not content with being simply good, Creary said.
“He's got great hands, obviously. He's got a big body so if you break on him it's hard to get around him,” Creary said. “His work ethic is good.”
Creary is well aware of the little things Hayward does that might go unnoticed by the average fan.
“Willie disguises his routes real well. He'll make you think it's going to be the same every time. He'll take you inside and make you think he's opening up inside and then bring it back outside.
“He's good off the comeback,” Creary added. He will push you deep and make you think he's going to open up and then brings it back on you.”
Defensive tackle Demetris Lane says Hayward is more than a key player for the Rattlers.
“He's a beast. He made preseason all-conference, and I think he'll live up to it,” Lane said. “He's an NFL talent, and he's going to open the doors for the rest of the young guys.”
Asked what stands out most about Hayward, Lane didn't hesitate: “Leadership,” he said. “How he focuses. Even if Willie's tired, he'll come in and still work harder than everyone. He's got a tremendous passion for the game.”
Creary said it was amazing to watch Hayward blossom in 2006. Hayward's gotten so good so fast, Creary said, that he's now making his teammates better as they strive to keep up with Hayward.
“Willie's going to push you every day. You've got no choice to get better,” Creary said. “He got better right before my eyes. He's forced me to get better.”
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