Whenever Haynes has the ball in his hands on film, I often think that maybe he should play more offense. He’s electric whenever he touches the ball, whether as a kick returner or on one of the (many) interceptions or fumble recoveries he made last season. At the same time, his length, deceleration, and breaks on the ball make it obvious why he plays corner. Honestly, he’s probably a bit underrecruited, as we have an FBS grade on him.

Alex has been a dynamic playmaker for Metrolina for a while now, and he should get more attention than what he does, but make no mistake – Alex is the real deal and a major threat out of the Metro Area. The numbers show that Alex makes an impact on both sides of the ball – 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, and 30 tackles on defense, while having nearly 400 yards on offense and 4 touchdowns. Alex also shines as a dynamic returner on special teams, so I don’t know if he ever really comes off the field at all. Impressive from that standpoint alone. Alex has offers from Arkansas, Southern Mississippi, Maryland, and, most recently, from North Carolina Central.

Haynes’ ball skills are among the best in the state (he may be THE best in the state with the ball in the air) and that’s evidenced by three interceptions and three pass breakups, despite limited targets. He can really move, and though he’s not known as much for his tackling, it’s an area of his game that he’s improved upon greatly. He’s shown some excellent technical growth since he burst onto the scene as a high-upside, but unpolished defensive back.

Haynes is new to the state after transferring to Metrolina from Nation Ford High School, just over the border in South Carolina. He can play both corner and safety, but likely projects as a highly athletic corner prospect, a guy who can cover an opponent’s best player. He has the speed to recover if he’s initially beaten, and we like the upside for the class of 2027 defender.