Friday, September 28, 2007

FAMU's Hayward eager to show his skills


By St. Clair Murraine, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

FAMU receiver misses last two games with knee injury.

Willie Hayward wasn't a part of the lineup of players for FAMU's weekly meeting with the media on Tuesday, but maybe he should have been.

So much was being asked of his teammates about the wide receiver's expected return to the Rattlers' offense this weekend.

While offensive and defensive players had plenty to say about how Hayward's absence has affected the offense, no one ever has more to say than Hayward. He doesn't just talk the talk, however. He walks the walk as well, bringing an extra dimension to the Rattlers' firepower.

He sat out FAMU's last two games with a damaged MCL in his left knee, which he injured during FAMU's season-opener against Southern.

Hayward comes with a swagger - his gift of gab, body language that's intended to intimidate defenses. And, yes, there are times when he'll celebrate with arms akimbo on his hips whenever he makes a catch.

Catch Hayward at the right time, and with his flamboyant style he'll drop a line or two in third person.

"I guess that's all part of Willie Hayward," he said, a long gold necklace dangling on his chest. "Maybe I can take it over the top, but I know to calm myself down.

"For the most part, I'm just playing with emotion and getting into the game. Being in the game and talking is something that comes naturally to me."

His talent seems natural, too. So much so that NFL scouts have been taking notice and more than a few of them might be in the Georgia Dome when Hayward makes his comeback. FAMU plays Tennessee State in the Atlanta Football Classic on Saturday.

No one is more elated than coach Rubin Carter, who has used a string of young receivers in the two games that Hayward missed.


"Now he's back to full speed and able to go out and be an integral part of what we do offensively that includes him," said Carter, adding that Hayward's antics aren't overbearing because sometimes the team needs it.

"That's the competitive nature of Willie," he said. "He is just that caliber of athlete. As long as it doesn't cause us any harm, we like the energy and fire he has."

During his recovery, Hayward spent time working on his upper-body strength. Most days in practice he was perched on the sidelines talking and observing. His first actual day of practice was Wednesday.

"I decided to go out there every day and watch from the outside, the coverages on defense," he said. "I always try to get better any way I can."

Hayward had three catches for 31 yards against Southern as his only contribution so far this season. His teammates, responding to the questions from the media, made it clear that Hayward is a must-have weapon.

"With (Hayward) coming back adds a whole new dimension to our offense," said senior running back Anthony Edwards, who has played sporadically due to arthritis in his foot. "From the Southern game we saw how much respect (defenses) have, putting two or three people on him. If they put two and three on him, that just opens up the run."

No comments:

Post a Comment