Interview: Valencia 2018 Standout Moises Haynes Trucking Defenders Like a Big Power Back

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

One of the principal applications of science in football is a collision – the abrupt change in the path of a moving body, or bodies, due to its interaction with another body or bodies. The simple extrapolation to football is the person with the ball on offense attempts to avoid colliding with a defender in an attempt to gain more yards. As one breaking on the field stereotypes, when Valencia Class of 2018 running back Moises Haynes has the ball in his hands, all can expect a collision of highlight reel proportions unless a wise defender chooses to get out of the way.

With the pigskin in his hands, Haynes is the momentum, kinetic energy, mass, and velocity brought to the collision party. Haynes brought his dynamic north-south style of play to the field full-time in 2016 bursting onto the scene with 1,682 yards off 252 carries with 22 touchdowns. Proving to be more than a skilled runner, Haynes also pulled in 26 passes for 245 yards with two more scores helping Valencia to a 10-4 mark.

High hopes have been pinned onto the 2017 season for the Vikings with much riding on the potential and talents of Haynes. Fans of the Valencia program have not been disappointed in Haynes during his senior season. Through five games, he has been a workhorse carrying the rock 87 times for 798 yards with 13 rushing scores. Keeping the all-purpose back theme going, he has two receptions for 21 yards and has stepped up his off the ball blocking showing improvement in all areas of the game.

Haynes 159.6 rushing yards per game is eye catching, but perhaps the performance he turned in against Calabasas High School on Thursday, Sept. 28, gives a little more insight to his game. Off 28 carries covering 215 yards, he scored four touchdowns in a 65-63 loss against one of California’s best Southern Section teams. He always shines through, but when the spotlight was the brightest he showed out.

Recruiting for the 2016 All-Conference and All-CIF performer is nowhere near where it should be with someone of Haynes accomplishments on the field. He is a power back but with good speed and is ideally framed for the collegiate level at 5-10, 205. Beyond applying the velocity to a run, his field vision is just as great of a weapon allowing him to pop 10-15 yard runs consistently. Teams looking in to Haynes includes Oregon State, Nevada, Idaho, Northern Arizona, and Arizona, among others. Those taking a closer look will not be disappointed.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Haynes after his big performance against Calabasas getting inside information on his senior season and recruiting process.

Interview

Moises, how has your senior year started out on the field for you?

“I feel like it has started out really well. I came in more confident this year. Last year I was a little nervous. Last year was my first year starting at the varsity level. I came in this year trusting my O-line and just started working hard from the start.”

Which areas of your game did you work on over the spring and summer to prepare for the 2017 schedule?

“Keeping my knees up. A lot of opponents like to hit my legs low. I do my best to keep my feet up. I improved my speed over the offseason, I ran track last spring. My vision is another thing I worked on this offseason. My field vision is even better this year.”

Which game this season has been your best, and why?

“Probably the Calabasas game. My team needed me to step up. The O-line was opening holes for me, I went through them and read them correctly. I knew Calabasas would be a big game. I knew I needed to bring my A-game. They came to our home last year. I was nervous against them last year. This year I was a workhorse. I give my success to the O-line. Without them I would not have picked up all those yards.”

The Calabasas game was a shootout and a thrilling game for the fans. With the back-and-forth nature of the game, what was it like as a player putting your all into the game?

“I knew I had to put everything into the game. I knew it was a really big game. We knew we had to fight hard against them. At the end of the game, we knew we were as good as them if not better. We know we can compete with them should we meet them again in the playoffs.”

You had a workload against Calabasas. That does not come without some physical punishment. How sore were you the next day?

“I was really sore. I took some Advil, an ice bath, and went to therapy. I took care of myself this weekend. We have Monday and Tuesday off from school for fall break. We have a rivalry game this week (Hart). I know I will have to preform to the same level this week.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Northern Arizona, Idaho, and some Ivy League schools like Harvard and UPenn (Pennsylvania). Nevada, Oregon State, and Arizona are also showing interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to Fresno State (summer) and Azusa Pacific (spring).”

Do you have any visits planned upcoming?

“Yes, I’m going to Idaho (official), Arizona, Northern Arizona, and I’m trying to go to Arizona State as well.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like how I run downfield. They like my vision, my north and south running, and they also like how I block for the quarterback and downfield for my teammates.”

You are a freight train out there with the ball in your hands, how do you describe your running style?

“I’m definitely a power back. I’m not a speed back. But I want to be elusive and powerful with speed. I want to be the running back that is trucking guys but with breakaway speed. I am developing my speed before I get to college.”

What is your thought process or motivation with the ball in your hands?

“Something my dad taught me when I was young, when you play football you have to play angry. You can’t play nice with the opposition. I’m a nice guy off the field, as nice a guy as you may meet but on the field, I play angry.”

The Vikings started off 4-0 until the Calabasas game, and could very easily be 5-0. What all has clicked on both sides of the ball allowing the team to have such great success?

“It goes back to last year, losing to San Clemente in the semifinals. That has driven us. Monday through Thursday, we practice at 100 percent. Our coaches help us with the scouting report so we are prepared each week. We are close to being where were last year, but I think we are more experienced than last year. We did not always play all four quarterbacks last year. We have proved to ourselves we can play all four quarters this year.”

Nice transition into my next question. Valencia made a three-game run into the playoffs last season before meeting eventual state champs San Clemente (41-35). The 2017 team seems to have the same kind of grit to make another deep run. What all do the Vikings need to do to contend for a state title this year?

“We have to keep working really hard. Last year we were tired late in games. This year we are closer as a team and better conditioned. The JV that has moved up, they have done really well. They were undefeated and have brought that mentality up to the varsity level with them. Our work ethic and maturity is great. If we keep this up, we can go all the way.”

Are there any games above the others that you are looking forward to playing?

“I’m excited to play Hart. That is a big rivalry. That is one of the games when both teams run harder and faster, go harder, and hit harder. The Golden Valley game with De’Gabriel Floyd (linebacker/running back). I am excited to go against a five-star USC commit. That makes me test my game. I want to see how good am I against him.”

What is one aspect of your game you think gets overlooked the most?

“Maybe my speed. My speed and my power. When I stiff-arm or run over someone, I think that comes unexpected to others sometimes. The coaches know that about me.”

Moises, thanks for your time today and good luck with Hart this week.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see Moises Haynes Hudl highlight reel.

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