If a big-time, Division I athletics department ever needed a feel-good story from its major two sports – cue the Rudy theme music – it is now, at this university.
The well-documented on- and off-the-field/court issues of the football and basketball programs during the past two years can only be remedied by improved play and positive storylines.
Enter Joey Haynos.
Yes, the unassuming starting junior tight end from Rockville just may be the ice pack on Testudo’s Chipotle burrito-sized bruise. No pressure, Mr. Haynos.
But the good news for you, Joey, is that you’ve already written the first half of your fairy tale athletic career.
After lettering in two sports at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, a 6-foot-6, 215 pound Haynos turned down Division I basketball offers to instead join The Fridge’s program in 2003 as a walk-on. Haynos redshirted that season and actually saw playing time the following year, but only as a blocker.
Despite his contributions as a redshirt freshman, Haynos remained a walk-on. While the majority of his teammates had their tuition and books paid for, Haynos was responsible for both.
Then came his break. The Fridge told Haynos that with a good summer camp, a scholarship would be waiting.
“I worked extremely hard and made the two-deep depth chart,” Haynos recalled. “One day, [Ralph Friedgen] called me in and said he’s putting me on scholarship and that if I had a good year he’d keep me on.”
Playing in nine games behind the sensational Vernon Davis, Haynos responded last season, catching a touchdown pass against Clemson in a 28-24 loss. Haynos, not surprisingly, kept his scholarship.
“I guess [Friedgen] thought I had a good year,” Haynos said.
If last year was good, then this year has been great. So far through three games, Haynos leads the Terps in catches (12) and receiving yards (138), in addition to grabbing one of the team’s two receiving touchdowns.
The now 6-foot-7, 267-pound Haynos has emerged as quarterback Sam Hollenbach’s favorite target and figures to continue playing the crucial role of a pass-catching tight end.
Now the real question: Can Haynos’ heart-warming journey spill over a few blocks from Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium and into Gary Williams’ NBA-like palace, Comcast Center?
“That’d be great,” Haynos answered immediately. “I’ve thought about it, but I don’t know how that’d work out.”
Hey Gary, the idea may be worth pursuing.
Haynos’ skill level, while probably rusty, could be close to par. A reserve center who showed promise for high school basketball power Gonzaga, Haynos was offered scholarships to lower-tier D-I schools Coastal Carolina and Campbell.
His physical tools are superb. Just ask his football coach.
“He’s very athletic for a big kid of 6-foot-7,” The Fridge said. “He has very good hands and has really made himself a very good blocker right now.”
For a second, replace blocker with defender. Sounds like someone Fridge’s buddy Gary could use on the basketball team, right?
It’s not like Haynos would feel out of place. When first-year assistant coach Chuck Driesell was a head coach at Division III Marymount, he recruited Haynos to play for him. Senior forward Gini Chukura and Haynos were best friends in third grade and still hang out on occasion now. Junior forward James Gist is a familiar face from Gonzaga’s conference rival, Good Counsel.
There is precedence for tight ends shifting over to the forward position after Christmas. Matt Trannon (Michigan State) and Charles Davis (Purdue) come to mind.
Any contribution Haynos could deliver on the court would be trumped by the positive vibe and feel-good story felt by a program in need of a boost since the 2004 ACC championship.
Maybe I’m getting carried away, but I can envision Haynos subbing in for fellow forwards Gist and Ekene Ibekwe off the bench, providing solid defense and a soft shooting touch.
And if Haynos does indeed go from football walk-on to football star and basketball contributor, I’m reserving the movie rights.
Contact columnist Daniel Chiat at chiatdbk@gmail.com.
