Burns linebacker Cahari Haynes commits to Appalachian State football

Before his senior season gets under way, Burns football standout Cahari Haynes took care of an important piece of business.

Haynes announced his commitment Thursday evening to play football at Appalachian State.

“First and foremost I would like to thank God for putting me in the position I am in today," Haynes said in a Twitter post. "Secondly, I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches and teachers up to this point, you guys have helped me in more ways than you all know and I’ll forever be thankful. Lastly, I’d like to give special thanks to my head coach, David Devine, you believed in me since the beginning and haven’t gave up on me since day one."

“With that being said, I’d like to announce my commitment to the Appalachian State University.”

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In addition to the Mountaineers, Haynes was also recruited by Catawba, Norfolk State, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

A 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker, Haynes enters his senior season with 232 total tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions with four caused fumbles.

Haynes’ junior season was his best, registering career highs in tackles (101), tackles for loss (18) and sacks (6). He also blocked three field goals.

In recent years, Appalachian State has made headway recruiting Cleveland County football players. Shelby defensive lineman Santana Hopper signed with the Mountaineers last December, while Golden Lions junior defensive tackle Jaden Pierce currently holds an offer from the school.

You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Appalachian State football lands Cahari Haynes, a Burns linebacker