Fellowship Christian WR Evan Haynes Commits To North Carolina

Three-star WR Evan Haynes from Fellowship Christian committed to North Carolina Tuesday.

Here is why he chose the Tar Heels:

“They have been really consistent throughout the recruiting process. I really believe in what the coaching staff says and the environment. It just felt like home for me,” said Haynes. “Our relationship (North Carolina WR Coach Galloway) has been really good and we have been building it over the past few years. They see me as an outside guy but I may play a little bit inside depending on how fast I can learn the playbook. A receiver that can do it all.”

Haynes also built a great relationship with UNC head coach Mack Brown and felt right at home when he was on campus.

“Coach Brown has such a good resume and he is helping people get to the next level. He shows how much he cares about you and how well the family environment feels also with how he treats other coaches and what he cares about on and off the field,” said Haynes. “The campus reminds me of the area I live in which is really good because I really like this area. I feel like it is a competitive school and a very good education. It is a hard school to get into. They are a very good school overall in sports. It’s not just certain sports it’s all men’s and women’s sports. Something felt right about the campus. Some great colors and great people.”

It’s Official: @FellowshipCS 3 WR @EvanHaynes is a North Carolina Tar Heel – @UNCFootball!#GoDins⚔️ #HardWorkWins pic.twitter.com/QcLxuelW1q

— Fellowship Christian Athletics (@PaladinsFCS) August 6, 2024

One of the reasons he has gotten to his point is the big impact his dad has had on his career. You may remember his dad Michael Haynes playing for the hometown Atlanta Falcons during his 10-year career in the NFL. He spent seven seasons with the Falcons and three with the New Orleans Saints. Evan talked about how his dad shaped his career.

“Yes, he has been one of my coaches since the 4th grade. He’s had a really big impact. His coaching has been fun. Him playing at a high level has really helped. I get to learn things from him. I get to talk to him about football every day. I can learn from one of the best,” said Haynes.

Last year Haynes had 33 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns for Fellowship Christian and helped the Paladins reach the quarterfinals in 2023. Haynes was named an all-state selection by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association at DB. Just goes to show you how versatile he is. Part of his explosiveness and versatility comes from him being a four-sport athlete. Haynes plays football, basketball, lacrosse, and track. He had a great spring in track and set multiple PR records and made state in the 200M.

Haynes currently holds multiple program records for Fellowship Christian. He set a PR in the 100M at the Milton Invitational this past spring with a 10.96 time. He also set a PR in the 200 (22.74) and 400 (51.15) on March 7th. He was also a part of the state runner-up team for 2A in the 4X800M relay.

Had a great showing at the Milton Invitational! Set a 100m pr in 10.96!! First person at Fellowship to go sub 11!! Also competed in the 4×100 and SMR. Setting 2 NEW PR’s and 2 new school records at the meet, now accounting for 8 SCHOOL RECORDS‼️@MikeHaynes81 @FCS_Recruiting pic.twitter.com/jv0fafnsGJ

— Evan Haynes (@EvanHaynes) March 4, 2024

He credits a lot of his success to the Fellowship Christian program and his teammates whom he played with for a long time and came in with.

“We all came to Fellowship Christian at the same time and we all stayed together. It was really cool to see all of us have our moments and all of us are doing well. I think Fellowship has really helped out with that because at a school like that, you get to stand out and you get to shine. You get to do more things than you would at a bigger school. Also the faith part of the school and growing my faith has been a big part too,” said Haynes.

Haynes grew from 5-foot-7 and 140-pounds coming in his freshman year to 6-3 and 200-pounds. He talked about the journey, and how it has molded him and gives advice to those with a similar story.

“I definitely grew a little bit. Like my coach said my freshman year they had to throw me into the fire. At first, it was kind of hard but you learn to work through it and go through that type of thing. It’s really about your mental focus, and your work ethic,” said Haynes. “I feel like as long as you talk to your teammates and communicate with your coaches and learn what you have to learn and get through the hard work and grind it out you will be fine. You will get better. My freshman year I had a lot of ups and downs.”

Haynes has always exceeded expectations and this season will be no different. He talked about his goals for the 2024 season.

“I want to become a better leader on and off the field. I want to be the best teammate I can be. Stats wise I want to have around 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. I want to take at least three returns back for a touchdown.

UNC is getting a great player on and off the field. Haynes has a great work ethic and demands the best of himself. Tar Heel Nation should be excited about what is in store in the future after landing Haynes.