OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the Week LB Cahari Haynes Brings Elite Tackling and Sack Power to Gardner-Webb
Redshirt junior linebacker Cahari Haynes (6-2, 225) is Gardner-Webb’s defensive anchor, earning OVC-Big South Defensive Player of the Week in 2025 after recording 8 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in a 21-10 win over Eastern Illinois[1][3]. His differentiators include elite lower-body strength (38-9 shot put PR), explosive speed (100m in 12.38s), and a transfer pedigree from Appalachian State that signals high adaptability[9]. Haynes plays with relentless intensity, consistently leading the Bulldogs in tackles and TFLs while showing rare pass-rush versatility for an LB. With Gardner-Webb at 4-2 and 2-0 in conference, he’s a proven, game-wrecking fit for any team needing a physical, versatile linebacker who elevates the entire defense[1].
