HEART of the HUSKIES How Christian Haynes became All-American offensive lineman during ‘roller coaster’ years at UConn
STORRS — Since the start of the 2019 season, the UConn football team has played 47 games. Christian Haynes has started all of them.
The graduate student offensive guard will make his 48th consecutive start and his final one at Rentschler Field Saturday when the Huskies take on FCS Sacred Heart on Senior Day.
“It’s been this big roller coaster, going up and up and then down a little bit,” Haynes said with a smile. “We had a coaching change and then we were rising again.
SACRED HEART AT UCONN Saturday, noon (WFSB, UConn+)
“But this last five-and-a-half years have been great. The guys I’ve met, the guys I’ve played with, the guys who have helped me become the man I am today, I’m just thankful for everyone who has helped me in the process. Playing my last game at The Rent is going to be crazy but I’m happy.”
While the record (10-37) isn’t what he hoped it be, Haynes (6-foot-2, 313 pounds) has made his mark with the Huskies with his consistency and work ethic.
He was named an Associated Press thirdteam All-American a year ago — the third UConn player to be selected as an All-American joining Donald Brown (2008) and Jordan Todman (2010). Named to the Outland Trophy and Weurffel Trophy watch lists in the preseason, he was chosen to the AP midseason All-American team last month even though the Huskies (1-9) have struggled. He’s been invited to take part in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.
“Christian is just an incredible human being, great integrity, cares about this program, this team, and his teammates,” UConn second-year coach Jim Mora said.
“He takes great pride in his work ethic and has become a dominant offensive guard/center. He might be a center at the next level. He puts in the time to perfect his craft. He comes to work every day as the same guy. As a coach you love being around guys like that.”
Haynes was recruited to UConn by former coach Randy Edsall and his two older brothers, Jonathan and Marcus, also played at the FBS level. He actually started his UConn career in 2018 playing two games before he was shut down to preserve the year of eligibility.
He broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman. Then UConn canceled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Huskies returned in 2021 and Edsall was fired after a Game 2 loss to FCS Holy Cross. Mora came in and led UConn to a bowl game in 2022. Through it all, Haynes remained a rock and leaving was never an option.
Haynes noted his high school coach at Bowie High in Maryland was let go prior to his senior year and he did not transfer.
“I’m a loyal guy,”
Haynes said. “Once Coach Mora came in I thought that I would do the same thing. Even after my success last year I knew loyalty was important. I love Coach Mora and I loved this UConn family. So I never thought about transferring out. I wanted to finish out strong.”
The Huskies, with four returning starters on the offensive line, have not run the ball as well as last year but they do rank 12th nationally in sacks allowed with 11 in 10 games.
When UConn’s 59-3 loss at Tennessee on Nov. 4 became chippy in the second half, Haynes showed his leadership skills and professionalism and kept things from getting ugly.
“Christian Haynes and his ability to keep his poise was an indicator of what kind of man he is and what the team that drafts him at the next level is getting,” Mora said. “It’s a big deal. He showed me so much. If I’m an NFL GM, I want that dude on my team. I want him on my team in the field, I want him on my team in the locker room, I want him on my team in the community.”
Haynes, who owns a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science and is finishing up his work for a masters degree in sports management, is expected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Where he fits in remains to be seen.
He’s ready to put in the work.
“I’m going to be training and just embrace the grind for the next level,”
Haynes said. “If you want to be a top dog you have to put in the work every day.”
He still has two games left with the Huskies and he’d like to finish strong to help the program build a little momentum for next year. After facing Sacred Heart, UConn closes out its season at New England rival UMass on Nov. 25.
“We just have to keep coming more together as a unit,” Haynes said. “Even though it’s the end of the year I think it will help the development for next year’s team.
“I want to be the same person every day, and show the younger guys it’s important to stay the same person every day. Don’t let up. Every week is a new week and every day is a new day. You go out and compete and play hard every day. That shows you care and no matter what the record you love this game. You have to keep embracing it if you want to be great.”
He’ll leave UConn as one of its best.