Lagonza Hayward leads Florida's defense in blowout win over Campbell
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Lagonza Hayward leads Florida's defense in blowout win over Campbell
Michael Trim Jr, Gators Wire·Gators Wire
·
2 min read
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Last week,Florida's defense was at the forefront of criticism for giving up nearly 300 passing yards and 21 points toFlorida Atlantic, and the same almost happened this week against Campbell. TheFighting Camelscame out firing on all cylinders, marching for 68 yards before the drive came to a halt.
Outside of the field goal allowed on the first drive, theFloridadefense was essentially stout the rest of the way.
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TheGatorscontained the run and didn't allow Campbell's quarterback, Kamden Sixkiller, to have his way on the field.
Plenty of Gators on the defensive side of the ball made positive impacts; however,Lagonza Hayward's performance on Saturday stood out more than others, earning himGators Wire's defensive player of the gamefor Week 2.
Hayward's final stat line was four tackles — three of which were solo — two tackles for losses and two pass deflections. The second-year safety took four snaps on the defensive line, four snaps in the box, and 17 snaps in the slot.
Despite a limited number of snaps, the versatile defender received an 88.4 overall defensive grade and an 89.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Those numbers rank him at Nos. 2 and 1, respectively, on the Gators' defense from Saturday's win.
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The 6-foot-1-inch sophomore's ability to consistently get in the backfield as a safety, as well as his coverage and pass defense, earned him this award. Florida will need Hayward to continue to be active on the defensive side of the ball to give veterans like Bryce Thornton help on the back end.
Through two weeks of football, the Gators' defense has been fully tested. That changes next week with a showdown against theAuburn Tigersat Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A Florida Gators cheerleader performs before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall, Florida Gators safety Alfonzo Allen Jr. (43) and safety Lagonza Hayward (2) run onto the field before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack Jayden Woods (0) holds an American flag while running on the field with wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner looks on before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Campbell Fighting Camels linebacker Charles Battaglia (33) tackles Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball on the run against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) makes a catch against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) gestures after making a catch against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) celebrates with offensive lineman Harrison Moore (52) after scoring a touchdown against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall looks on from the sideline against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A Florida Gators cheerleader performs before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A Florida Gators cheerleader performs before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Jon Sumrall's first four games at Florida
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall, Florida Gators safety Alfonzo Allen Jr. (43) and safety Lagonza Hayward (2) run onto the field before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators jack Jayden Woods (0) holds an American flag while running on the field with wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/10
Buster Faulkner says Florida's offense has gotten 'out of whack'
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner looks on before a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Campbell Fighting Camels linebacker Charles Battaglia (33) tackles Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/10
Aaron Philo lands in USA TODAY Sports' all-conference QB tier
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball on the run against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) makes a catch against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) gestures after making a catch against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/10
PHOTOS: Highlights from Florida football's Week 2 matchup vs Campbell
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) celebrates with offensive lineman Harrison Moore (52) after scoring a touchdown against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/10
Florida football leaps in ESPN's SP+ rankings after bye in Week 8
Sep 12, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall looks on from the sideline against the Campbell Fighting Camels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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