After a stellar four-year career at Shippensburg, former Red Raider wide receiver Kyle Haines hopes to hear his name called in this weekend’s 2020 NFL Draft.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Haines never got the chance to have an in-person pro day in front of NFL scouts. However, he and 30 other draft hopefuls participated in a virtual pro day at Test Football Academy in Martinsville, New Jersey.
“The training in New Jersey allowed me to grow physically and mentally,” he said.
The 6-foot-2, 226-pound receiver posted an array of impressive measures at the virtual pro day, including a 4.48 second 40-yard dash that would have ranked 10th among receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Additionally, his 25 repetitions on the bench press would have ranked first among receivers at the combine, and his three-cone drill time of 6.97 seconds would have ranked fifth.
Haines said that coming from a small NCAA Division II school like Shippensburg is what motivates him to keep a hard work ethic and potentially make football a professional career.
“I come from a small town, small high school and small college. My goal is to play football at the highest level, and I have put in the work necessary to get me to where I want to be,” Haines said. “It’s the passion, hunger and intensity I have for accomplishing this goal that keeps my work ethic where it is and elevating it every chance I get.”
SU head coach Mark (Mac) Maciejweski also commended Haines’ incredible work ethic and his ability to be a great leader on and off the field.
“Kyle’s not one of those guys who only talks about being great, but he puts the work into it and has a passion for success,” Maciejewski said. “He was always positive and was a strong believer in our Red Raider family.”
In addition to his work ethic, Haines credits his time at Shippensburg with providing him lessons, experiences and friendships that will last him a lifetime.
“I loved the brotherhood and friendships that were built. I loved grinding with my teammates and putting in the work to be great on and off the field,” he said. “And I cherish the lessons and experiences I’ve gained from playing the greatest game in the world at Shippensburg.”
Kyle Haines strides toward the end zone in a Red Raider win over Millersville at Seth Grove Stadium in Shippensburg. Haines set career single-game highs in the game with eight catches for 120 yards.
With Haines coming from a smaller school, it may be harder for him to gain recognition from scouts in the NFL. But he still has a valuable skill set that can benefit any of the 32 teams that will be drafting this week.
According to Haines, his size, speed and leadership are the three tools that helped him have a successful career at SU.
“I’m a big wide receiver, but I have that athleticism to be utilized in a variety of ways,” Haines said. “My work ethic and passion have also gotten me to this point.”
Over his tenure at SU, Haines boasts an impressive career stat line which includes 94 receptions, 1,134 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. He also earned the Red Raider Pride Award in 2018.
The NFL Draft — which will be conducted virtually — is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Thursday and will extend through Saturday.
Haines said it would be a dream come true to hear his name called.
“I am searching for an opportunity to prove that I belong,” he said. “I’ve had the desire to play at the highest level since I was a kid.”
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