GUYTON, Ga. — South Effingham High School wide receiver Jayden Hair made a strong case for becoming a go-to playmaker this fall after a standout showing in the Mustangs’ first 7-on-7 summer scrimmages.
Hair, a rising senior and one of SEHS’ top track sprinters, scored three touchdowns during Thursday morning’s workouts against Groves and Johnson at the Corral. He led the team in both the 100- and 200-meter dash times this past spring and demonstrated that speed on the field from the slot position.
“A day like this gives me confidence,” Hair said. “If I’m doing this well, my preparation is working. This was good competition and prepares us for what we might see ahead.”
Hair’s performance was especially meaningful for a team that recorded only three receiving touchdowns over 10 games last season. The Mustangs finished the 2024 campaign with an 0-10 record.
Despite playing without starting quarterback George Bushatz, the Mustangs showed promise. Freshman Liam Coburn and sophomore Jackson McClure split reps at quarterback and made the most of their extra snaps.
“I would say we’re pretty far ahead of where we were last summer,” head coach Loren Purvis said. “Everyone’s keeping a good attitude, fighting hard and competing. For the first week in June, I can’t complain. We have a long time to get better.”
Tight end Corey Woods hauled in a one-handed touchdown against Groves. Benja Crofts used his basketball frame to create mismatches, and McClure showed reliable hands and versatility.
Still, it was Hair — listed at 5-foot-7 and 135 pounds — who stood out. Two of his three scores came on passes longer than 20 yards.
On the track, Hair recorded an 11.01 in the 100-meter dash at the Colony Bank Invitational in Fitzgerald and a 22.03 in the 200 at the Statesboro Relays. He also competed in the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams. Last fall, he contributed defensively with five solo tackles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
“He helps,” Purvis said. “We didn’t have a ton of speed out there on both sides of the ball last season, really. It’s always good when you get guys who play multiple sports. They have a bond — they’re family, they’re team.”
Hair is expected to play on both sides of the ball this season and embrace a leadership role.
“We get it, we went 0-10 last year, but rubbing it in our faces doesn’t help,” Hair said. “We’re not turning away from it. We have guys working to be the standard for our young guys.”
South Effingham opens the 2025 season at home against New Hampstead on Aug. 15.
