BREAKING: 2026 defensive back Justis Haggard commits to MTSU
Oakland (Tenn.) 2026 defensive back Justis Haggard commits to MTSU
With less than 24 hours until the early signing day period, Middle Tennessee football is adding recruits for its 2026 class.
The Blue Raiders picked up their ninth commitment from Oakland (Tenn.) 2026 defensive back Justis Haggard, who committed to MTSU on Tuesday.
The 6-foot, 190-pound safety is the second defensive back in this class, announcing his decision just before ESD.
Haggard transferred to Oakland this offseason and was an instant difference maker for Kevin Creasy’s Patriots. In 12 games, he recorded 45 tackles, two interceptions and a TFL, while scoring 16 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball.
The senior DB was on an official visit this past weekend, which sealed the deal for his recruitment as it thoroughly impressed him.
“It was an amazing visit, for real. My family loved it, and I had a great time myself. My favorite part of the visit was sitting down to talk ball and watch film with Coach [Brian] Stewart and [Bryce] Lewis,” Haggard told GoMiddle.
He’s a star on both sides of the field, but excels in the secondary.
The Oakland standout is a great tackler, plays a good center field and can also be a ball hawk. Haggard is a good fit for Derek Mason’s defense, especially with so many defensive backs graduating this year.
Middle Tennessee’s newly committed DB liked many things about the program, but raved about the coaching staff.
“The staff was nice. It’s a group of driven individuals with experience in the game, who also coach with passion and emotion. That’s something that stuck out to me,” he said. “Coach Stewart ate breakfast with my family and me, and we got a chance to talk ball with him later that day. It was nice.”
Haggard chose Middle Tennessee over Southern Miss and others.