Junior cornerback Rashad Haynes has only one interception this season.

But his lone interception of the season couldn’t have come at better time for the Eastern football team.

With the Panthers losing 7-0 in against Murray State Saturday, Haynes was able stepped in front of a Murray State receiver, intercepted a pass and returned it for a 34-yard touchdown.

The interception was Haynes’ 10th career pick and it moved him into a tie for seventh place on the Eastern all-time interception list.

Haynes said before the interception against Murray State, he just needed to make a play.

“We were playing man coverage and I saw the receiver break his route underneath and when I looked back, to read the quarterback, he was releasing the ball so I just broke on the ball,” Haynes said. “As soon as I caught the ball, I knew that I had to score and that’s exactly what I did.”

Haynes, originally from Rockledge, Fla., said within the Panthers’ coverage schemes, he prefers to play man coverage, but he is open to whatever coverage the defensive coordinator calls.

“I like playing man because it is more competition” Haynes said. “It’s more of a one-on-one game, but I also don’t mind playing zone coverage either.”

Eastern’s defensive backs coach Bobby Babich said Haynes’ work ethic and his attention to detail has allowed him to consistently be around the football.

“Sometimes there are those players that, when the opportunity presents itself they take full advantage of it and he happens to be one of those players,” Babich said.

Haynes said his progress on and off the football field is a credit to the time and support he has received from the Eastern coaching staff.

“They have helped me with grades and other issues off the football field, but also on the field they have taught me to be more of team builder and they have encouraged me to get to know my teammates,” he said.

Despite only having one interception this season, Haynes leads the Panthers in passes broken up with eight. Also, Haynes ranks fourth on the team in total tackles with 39.

Eastern’s defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said even though Haynes has only one interception on the season, it is a credit to Haynes that opposing quarterbacks are not throwing in his direction as much as years past.

“For the most part this year, with the exception of the Eastern Kentucky and Penn State game, he really hasn’t received many throws in his direction, which shows the amount of respect that quarterbacks are giving him,” Bellantoni said. “With Haynes commanding more respect, it has allowed other players, like C.J. James (four interceptions this season), to collect interceptions because they’re not throwing the ball at him (Haynes).”

Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or jnschneider@eiu.edu.