The University of Michigan's football program has received a major boost with the recent commitment of former Alabama running back Justice Haynes from the NCAA transfer portal. Haynes, who was highly regarded as the top-ranked running back available, spent the last two years at Alabama, where he showcased his exceptional talent on the field.
According to reports from CBS Sports, Haynes decided to transfer on December 13, 2024, after starting six games for Alabama during the 2024 season. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry, finishing his season with 448 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, along with 17 receptions for 99 yards. This versatile player is set to join the Wolverines with two years of eligibility remaining.
Haynes's transfer becomes significant for Michigan as they prepare for the 2025 season. He had initially committed to Alabama as the No. 3 running back and the 34th overall prospect out of Buford, Georgia. His impressive statistics during his tenure at Alabama include rushing for 616 yards and nine touchdowns on 104 carries overall, and he particularly impressed Maize & Blue fans during the Wolverines' Rose Bowl win against Alabama, rushing four times for 31 yards.
The Wolverines capitalized on Haynes's familiarity with their coaching staff, especially running backs coach Tony Alford, who previously recruited him when he was at Ohio State. Haynes’s decision to commit to Michigan over other contenders like South Carolina and Ole Miss underlines the Wolverines' strong recruiting efforts. Recent reports indicate Michigan provided Haynes with strong NIL opportunities, possibly surpassing those offered by South Carolina, which may have played a role in his decision.
With Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards moving on to the NFL, Michigan's running back lineup opens up significantly. Haynes will now join players like Jordan Marshall, who is expected to step up after primarily serving as the Wolverines’ kick returner last season. The influx of talent, including incoming freshman recruits, positions Michigan to build on their strategy moving forward.
Justice Haynes’s skill set is impressive. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, he brings both speed and physicality to the field, embodying the typical traits of successful Michigan backs. His performance metrics—averaging 3.2 yards after contact per rush—display his ability to break tackles and gain extra yards. Particularly notable is Haynes’s capacity for big plays; he achieved 200 of his 448 rushing yards from just five carries over 15 yards during the 2024 season.
This commitment marks Haynes as the latest significant addition to Michigan's transfer class. The Wolverines have also recruited players from Alabama and Fresno State, enhancing their roster depth and competitiveness. Coach Sherrone Moore will look to leverage Haynes’ talents effectively as they aim to improve upon their 7-5 record from the previous year.
Fans of the Wolverines are now hopeful with Haynes on board. His prior experience against elite teams, strong performance metrics, and incredible vision on the field will undoubtedly make him one of the players to watch next season. Michigan's successful recruitment of Haynes could signify the promising direction the program is heading under Moore.
Overall, it’s clear how impactful Justice Haynes could be for the Wolverines, not only filling the gap left by departing players but also potentially providing leadership and substantial talent to the backfield. Stay tuned for more updates as Michigan prepares for the upcoming season and to see just how much of an impact Haynes will have on their performance.
