By Tony Thomas
The Ramapo Raiders of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, have a talented football roster that includes 2026 RB/ATH Liam Hayward. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Hayward makes it a habit of camping in the end zone.
In 2024, Hayward rushed for over 800 yards and scored 11 times (10 rushing TDs, one receiving). Hayward scored two touchdowns against Ridgewood and accounted for three in the Ridgewood game.
Liz Hayward
In addition, Hayward scored a rushing touchdown in each of seven straight games. The Raiders went on an eight-game winning streak to take the Group 4 Public Sectional Championship.
In the state semifinals against Phillipsburg, Hayward rushed for 111 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown run to give Ramapo their only points of the game in a 35-6 loss. Ramapo finished the 2024 season with an 8-4 record.
Hayward’s athleticism does not end when he comes off the gridiron. He plays baseball for the Raiders as well. Hayward earned First-Team All-League honors this season for his play on the baseball diamond, batting .462, with a slugging percentage of .679 on 36 hits and scoring 30 runs.
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He also added one home run, 10 doubles and 11 stolen bases for a Ramapo team that was ranked 11th in the state.
Ramapo baseball coach Garrison Ward had this to say about Hayward,
“Liam is an unbelievable kid. He worked himself into a potential All State candidate this year and I think he can get even better. He’s currently leading a stare Top 10 team in hitting by a wide margin. He’s a quiet kid which is fine because his play does all the talking. Any college program would be lucky to have a kid like Liam in their locker room.”–Garrison Ward
Liz Hayward
From his running back position, Hayward has good vision, sees the holes quickly and turns on the jets to create separation to pick up big chunks of yardage.
Hayward does not give up on plays and can lower his shoulder and deliver a big hit on opposing tacklers in the open field. In addition, with his size, speed and versatility, he could see more action on the defensive side of the ball in 2025.
Ramapo head football coach Nick Guttuso said this about Hayward,
“Liam is an excellent athlete and a great teammate. He is very coachable, works to get better every day and pushes his teammates to do the same. Liam plays running back for us, but he can play anywhere for us as an offensive skill player. He has great burst as a running back, he reads blocks well, protects the football, is excellent in protection, and is a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. On defense, he plays outside linebacker and does a tremendous job. He was limited his Jr year on defense because 2 Sr captains started in front of him, but when he was asked to play on defense, there was no drop off. He can set the edge, rush the passer, and cover. On special teams, we ask him to cover and protect in the kicking game. Anything we ask him to do, he does well and always puts the team first. I believe his best football is in front of him. He is an absolute pleasure to coach and I am very excited to see him excel in his Sr season.”–Nick Guttuso
Another Ramapo coach, Marty Magerko, has coached Hayward since middle school. He had this to say about Hayward,
“Liam is the dynamic player you ask for when building your program. Liam is a rare combination of size and speed in the backfield that is difficult to stop. While his vision is what sets him apart, it’s his breakaway speed that makes him a force on the field. His athletic ability is only overshadowed by his character. A leader on and off the field, he guides his teammates with his work ethic and determination. In critical moments of the game, I knew Liam would deliver.”–Marty Magerko
Whether it is attending Junior Day or summer football camps, Hayward has received interest from the following schools: Marist, Monmouth, Sacred Heart, Fordham, Long Island University, Kutztown, Ithaca, Franklin & Marshall, Bryant, Alfred University and Towson.
That list of schools should grow in the coming months as Hayward prepares to showcase his stellar football skills in what should be an outstanding senior campaign.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, said this about Hayward,
“2026 verified 3-star ATH Liam Hayward can play RB, WR, defense and special teams. 6-3, 190 with speed.”–Mike Farrell
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell on X @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
