Friday, August 25, 2000
Haynes' goal: 2,000 yards in 2000
Fairfield back could set unbreakable records
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
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Earl Haynes
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The first time Earl Haynes touched the football three years ago, it proved to be a sign of things to come.
Playing against Elder at Nippert Stadium, Haynes took a handoff and raced 25 yards for a touchdown for Fairfield, bringing a smile to Indians coach Tom Grippa.
Since that night, Haynes has gone on to break Fairfield's single game and career rushing records, totaling 3,536 yards, including 1,983 last season.
“I don't believe in moving freshmen up to the varsity,” Grippa said. “But after I watched Earl run as a freshman, I knew he was special.”
A 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior, Haynes has 4.5 speed in the 40 meters (in full pads) and the ability to change direction.
“Earl is very shifty and fast,” Grippa said. “He can stop on a dime and because of this ability, seldom takes a direct hit.”
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Earl Haynes makes a spectacular catch last season.
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Born in Tampa, Fla., Haynes moved to Cincinnati in 1988 with his mother, Mary Ann, who works for Delta Airlines. She was transferred to Atlanta in 1995 but was transferred back to Cincinnati by Delta in 1986.
“Earl has always been interested in sports,” Mary Ann Haynes said. “He tried baseball, football and basketball but he loved football the most.”
Haynes, a first-team All State selection in 1999, wasn't moved to running back until the eighth grade.
“When I was a freshman, I didn't think I had a chance to start because the other guy was faster,” Haynes said. “Once I got into the first game, then I knew I would be the starter.
“Coach Grippa told me when I was in the ninth grade that if I worked hard, I had a chance to start the next season. That was the motivation I needed to make me work harder.”
Haynes was named the MVP in that debut against Elder after switching from wide receiver to tailback. The next game, he took over the starting tailback position and has retained it ever since.
“I didn't realize until the Elder game how important the line is to a running back,” Haynes said. “They can make or break you and I treat them nice. I appreciate everything they do.”
Haynes is also Fairfield's all-time leading scorer with 236 points, 80 as a freshman and 156 last year. He averaged 30.2 carries per game and 5.7 yards per carry.
In 1999, Haynes scored a single-season school record of 26 TDs, fifth best in Ohio.
“Earl seems to get stronger as the game goes on,” Grippa said. “He's carried the ball as many as 50 times in a single game and wanted it even more.”
Although Haynes underwent surgery to repair a broken wrist suffered during the 1999 football season, he reported to practice in top condition.
“I wasn't able to lift because of the wrist,” Haynes said. “But I worked a lot on strengthening my legs. I ran a lot and underwent other types of conditioning drills.”
Haynes is his own best critic, not waiting for the coaching staff to critique the game films.
“I tape every game for Earl and he comes home to watch it,” Mary Ann Haynes said.
“He talks about the game and is often very critical of himself. He says he should have cut this way or that way or followed the blocker. He's very hard on himself.”
Most teams have one or two defensive players shadow Haynes, putting a hit on him every play even though he doesn't have the ball.
“A linebacker usually follows me,” Haynes said. “It bothered me at first until I realized that I have some good people working hard to block for me.”
Another key to Haynes' success is the fullback, used primarily as a blocker.
Last year, Garrett Padgett expertly performed the task with Shawn Ayers and Bobby Kincaid contesting for the starting spot this season.
“Last year's line is the best I ever had at Fairfield or Elder,” Grippa said. “Linemen take pride and get a sense of satisfaction when they block for the runner. How good this year's group will be, I don't know.”
Haynes has some goals for this season.
“I'd like to rush for more than 2,000 yards,” Haynes said. “Last season, I went over 2,000 but a run was called back because of a penalty and I dropped back under.”
Taking better care of the ball and eliminating mistakes are other priorities.
“I fumbled three or four times last year which is way too many,” Haynes said. “My goal is not to turn the ball over at all. It comes down to how I grip the football when running.”
The emergence of quarterback Brett Pogozalski also could be a big boost to Haynes.
“I don't think I'll be getting the ball as much,” Haynes said. “But a good passing game opens up the run. I caught passes out of the backfield and will probably be used more that way this season.”
As for the college recruiters, many have questioned Haynes' size but most haven't backed off, waiting to see how he performs this season.
“Earl was first in the GMC in every offensive category he was involved in,” Grippa said. “If the line can block, we'll be a good offensive team.”
The line includes center Josey Lawson, tackles Ryan King and Brad Almendinger and guards Brandon Rowland, Andy Stuckert and Chris Waldroff.
Barring injury, Haynes will go over the 5000 yard rushing mark while setting offensive records that will be hard to surpass in the future.
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