As Iowa State defensive end Reggie Hayward looks forward to a new year of Cyclone football, he is careful not to forget the past.

Reggie Hayward came to the ISU program as one of the most highly recruited players in recent history. His high school resume looks like a who’s who in football awards.

He was named a Super Prep All American in his senior year at Thornridge High School in Dolton, Ill. after compiling almost 100 tackles and five sacks.

He was named first-team all-state as a senior as well, and was also named one of the nation’s top players by recruiting guru Tom Lemming. This recognition was not ignored by universities throughout the country.

Hayward faced a difficult but envious decision as he looked toward his future as a college football player. He eventually narrowed his decision to three schools: Michigan, Nebraska and ISU.

Although ISU figured to be the underdog to the two football powerhouses, the highly touted Hayward decided to bring his considerable talent to Ames, Iowa.

“I chose Iowa State because they had a good program with good coaches, and also it offered the chance to play right away,” Hayward said.

Hayward’s main reason for coming to Ames, the opportunity to play immediately, was only slightly realized when he ended the year with 12 tackles.

However, for many high school All-Americans, this lack of playing time would actually have been considered a negative. Hayward, however, has chosen to take a different view of things.

“I was glad I was able to play my freshman year, for the experience. You get on the field and see how it really is to play. And it really will help me my sophomore year. I have more knowledge and really know how to play,” Hayward said.

Coming to a school with over 25,000 students can be a bit daunting for some. However, Hayward found that help and advice were never too far away.

“I really looked up to Chin Achebe,” Hayward said. “I was playing behind him, and he was a veteran with a lot of experience, and every time I had a question I’d either run to him or my position coach at the time, Mike Woodley.”

Outside of the football field, Hayward certainly doesn’t have to look far to find a role model.

“I have always looked up to my mother and my father, as well as my grandparents because they went through so much adversity and still came out on top and raised their children well. They are people who really had to struggle to get something in life and are very proud of what they have,” Hayward said.

At 6’5, 240 pounds, Hayward has a very unique size for his position. At times, this can work both to his advantage and disadvantage.

“I have long arms, and that helps me because I am able to lock out easier, and my legs are really skinny, so I have a lot of quickness. But I also sometimes struggle against big, strong guys, so I have to use my quickness to get around them,” Hayward said.

As Hayward looks forward to this year, his eye is on improving the play of the defense as a unit.

“I think the key to improving the defense this year is just everyone getting more experienced, getting older and wiser, and getting a little more confident in our game,” Hayward said.