Alabama football’s first spring practice session under Kaleb DeBoer is approaching.

The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will spotlight 30 players to watch over the spring with spring practice starting next week.

Up next is Alabama’s sophomore running back, Justice Haynes.

Justice Haynes

Classification: Sophomore

Hometown: Buford, GA

Position: Running Back 

Size: 5-foot-11, 205 Pounds 

2023 stats: 25 Rush Attempts, 168 Rushing Yards, 2 Rushing Touchdowns 

Summary

Haynes had an interesting freshman season for the Tide as he got his most serious playing time of the season against Michigan in the Rose Bowl when he rushed for 31 yards on four carries. 

The Georgia product was tabbed as a complete running back prospect doing the 2023 recruiting cycle. He ran the football hard, was effective at catching the football out of the backfield and flashed in pass protection. Haynes finished his high school career at Buford High School as one of the most accomplished backs in the state’s rich history. His combination of balance, size and speed had many thinking he could make a bigger impact in year one.

With the departure of Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, the door is open for Haynes to establish himself in Tuscaloosa while sharing the backfield with Jam Miller next season. Washington had a 1,000 yard rusher last season under Kalen DeBoer, so the expectation is the run game will be a major part of Alabama’s offensive attack. 

This spring should allow everyone to see again why many are expecting big things from Haynes in Tuscaloosa after he rushed for two touchdowns and caught another in last year’s spring game. 

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Justin Smith is the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith