Jaxon Haynes says the hardest part of playing quarterback is leading through adversity, but the sophomore keeps leaning on his teammates and family while chasing bigger goals. Haynes pointed to teamwork, resilience and calm preparation as the habits that help him on and off the field.
Haynes said his great-uncle, Homer Turtle, inspires him because he has always been “kind and caring.” He also credited his teammates for making the experience memorable, calling them “the funniest guys” and saying they are dedicated to the team. For Haynes, that bond matters as much as any statistic or highlight.
A sophomore, Haynes listed computers as his favorite subject and Shanda Barnett as his favorite teacher. Away from class, he likes playing baseball and spending time with friends and family. Before games, he listens to music to calm himself and get mentally ready for kickoff.
One of Haynes’ favorite memories came in a win against Colcord last year, a game that stood out because of the challenge and the payoff. He said the craziest thing he has seen on a football field was serious injuries to himself and teammates, a reminder of how physical the sport can be. Even so, he said athletics has taught him teamwork and how to face adversity, lessons he expects to carry into the future.
Playing quarterback, Haynes said, means trying to lead while facing adversity. That challenge fits the way he describes football overall: tough, unpredictable and built around trust. For Haynes, the game is about more than one play or one season. It is about learning how to respond when things get hard and how to keep moving forward with the people around him.
