Highly rated Liberty offensive lineman commits to UNLV
Liberty senior offensive tackle Ed Haynes, the state’s top remaining undeclared recruit, according to 247Sports’ composite ratings, announced Saturday he has committed to UNLV.
“Every time I went to that place, it felt like home 100 percent,” Haynes said. “I completely love the atmosphere. I built a connection with the guys who play for them even though I’m still in high school.”
I’m Staying Home!!! @unlvfootball #Committed pic.twitter.com/aBXVkX1ilI
— Ed Haynes™️ (@EdHaynes77_) September 18, 2022
Haynes (6 feet 3 inches, 265 pounds) is eighth in the state’s composite rankings, a combination of various recruiting rating services.
UNLV coach Marcus Arroyo attended Liberty’s 25-18 victory over Kamehameha Kapalama (Hawaii) on Friday night, and Haynes told Patriots coach Rich Muraco earlier that day he most likely would commit to the Rebels.
“He’s still learning the position, and I think UNLV sees that he’s a good player and that he’s got a tremendous upside with lots of room to grow,” Muraco said. “He’s athletic and he’s long, and I think a lot of colleges are looking for that in their offensive linemen. You don’t just want big guys. You want guys that can move, and Ed’s one of those guys that’s athletic and can move.”
Haynes said he will sign in December, but hasn’t decided whether he will enroll early at UNLV.
His other finalists were Hawaii, Oregon State and Campbell.
“I think it was a pretty easy decision,” Haynes said. “I tried to wait it out a little bit and see if I was going to get any more offers, not really that it mattered because I was already kind of set on UNLV.”
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
