Always doubted, new SDSU safety Hunter Haines is ready to roll
Credit: SDSU Aztecs
Hunter Haines brings a chip on his shoulder to SDSU. The young safety is hungry to produce for the Aztecs.
After his time at Washington State, Hunter Haines has committed to the San Diego State football program in search of a place to hone his skills.
The safety is described as a high-motor player with excellent speed; Haines has a chance to compete for playing time right away with the Aztecs.
Originally from Oregon, Haines was a former three-star recruit and a top 100 safety in the 2023 high school class. The 2023 Oregon All-State Defensive Player of the Year in high school is considered a player with decent upside.
The Aztecs recruited Haines out of high school, and he’s developed a relationship with Rich Aurich (the Aztecs’ defensive coordinator) from his youth. San Diego State knew exactly who Haines was, and when his name showed up on transfer portal paperwork, they took notice.
With four years of eligibility left after spending his freshman year at WSU, Haines could develop with SDSU. As a true freshman, he started five games on special teams and showed great promise. Washington State overhauled its coaching staff this past winter, and Haines decided it was best for him to move on. SDSU came knocking.
The Aztecs will utilize him on special teams immediately, with the idea that he may earn some playing time on defense. The ball is in his court in that regard. With improved play, Haines could very well be an essential member of the defense.
Hunter Haines is pleased to join the Aztecs. He’s experienced some of the chemistry Coach Lewis is producing with the Aztecs, and he is all in. The more Coach Lewis is allowed to bring his type of player into the program, the better off SDSU will be.
Here is more about the safety and his excitement about joining The Mesa.
How was your time at Washington State?
“I had a really fun first year, and I made lots of good friends and connections. I got to see some action as a true freshman, which gave me some good experience.”
How did you know it was time to put your name in the transfer portal?
“A new coaching staff came in and brought some dudes, so it felt like it was my time to go.”
What about SDSU made you choose the school?
“The coaching staff was a big part of me committing to SDSU. That and the brotherhood that’s in the locker room.”
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Were there any coaches from SDSU that bonded with you immediately?
“Coach Aurich and I have a long history that started in my junior year of high school.”
SDSU initially offered you out of high school. What about this coaching staff was different from your first experience with SDSU?
” I never had a chance to visit when they first offered. If I did, there is a good chance that I could have started my career at SDSU.”
What is your earliest memory of the game? When did you fall in love with football?
“I fell in love with football in third grade after my first pick-six in the first game I played.”
Where does your motivation come from when playing the game? Internal? Parents? Coaches?
“It comes from the little kid in me always being doubted.”
Playing safety, do you enjoy playing the run or the pass more?
Describe your game to someone who has never seen you play before.
“I am a guy who can come down and hit and fill gaps, but also cover the field from sideline to sideline with my speed in the passing game.”
What is your greatest skill right now?
“I think my greatest skill is my speed and ability to read the QB’s eyes.”
What do you need to work on most in the game of football? How can you improve?
“I think I could work on my man-to-man a little more. But that’ll come with reps in practice. Just getting my eyes right.”
What are your goals at SDSU?
“My goals are to come in and compete to get on the field, be a special team’s guy, and win games.”
Any message to the fans? What can they expect from you on the football field?
“My only message is that I am going to do everything I can to help the team in whatever way I can. That, and this season there is going to be a lot of winning and fun!”
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.