A new freshman running back is ready to etch his name among the greats for Alabama football.
Justice Haynes, a five-star, looks to have the same impact that Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris had as freshmen. As a native Georgian, he became a household native at Buford High School — collecting 7,574 career rushing yards and 95 touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder is a Georgia Bulldog legacy, but Haynes decided to chart his path. He chose the University of Alabama as his school, and Tide fans are happy with his decision.
RELATED: Alabama does not have ‘soft guys’ on this team, according to Nick Saban
Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Haynes throughout spring practice. He dominated two scrimmages before A-Day, encouraging Saban to discuss the difference maker he is as a freshman. Haynes finished 15 practices with a sensational spring game performance that did not disappoint fans. He ran the ball with purpose and caught passes out of the backfield. Haynes concluded A-Day as the leading receiver for the Crimson offense, recording four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown.
He had two rushing scores as well. Saban sees Haynes as a marquee contributor in the fall.
“Justice is a really good player,” Saban said following A-Day.
“He had a great spring. He has great maturity about him, you wouldn’t know he is a freshman if you did not know better. Nothing is too big for him. He is not intimated by anything. He’s got toughness, he can run behind his pads. He’s got good speed, he’s a good receiver, and he can make you miss. So, I think he’s a bright future and he will contribute to the team this year.”
Haynes did enough to impress Saban, his coaches, teammates, and fan this spring.
It is about to be fun watching him in the fall.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
