The hype train is going through the roof for next week’s matchup between Alabama and Georgia.
A win for the Crimson Tide would mean Kirby Smart has more than a Nick Saban problem.
Alabama would become a serious thorn in Smart’s side as a program if the Bulldogs lose.
All players for the Crimson Tide will be ready for the game, yet there is one athlete who may take it more personal than the rest. Justice Haynes, a sophomore running back, is from Buford, Ga.
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His father, Verron Haynes, was a Bulldog legend, but Justice chose the Tide in the 2023 signing class.
He arrived as a five-star from Buford High School in spring practice. Haynes showed promising signs as a freshman with three rushing touchdowns, but he wants to accomplish more. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder is a talented room with Jam Miller, Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Kevin Riley, but he brings a lot to the table. Haynes possesses vision, power, physicality, speed, receiving skills, and blocking skills. He only received two carries in Alabama’s 42-10 victory over Wisconsin and that had some fans concerned. Miller had the hot hand and the Crimson Tide dominated; however, fans would like to see more of Haynes.
Kalen DeBoer spoke Monday about how well Haynes did, but he knows he will get more into the offensive flow.
“He can do a lot of things,” DeBoer said about Haynes. “Catching the ball, ran through a tackle right off the bat to set the tone, just some of the carries he would have been involved in were throws, RPOs, keeps by the quarterback. All of a sudden, you get to the middle of the third quarter and we hit another explosive in the beginning of the fourth. We are then pulling all our guys.”
DeBoer said Haynes works his tail off.
The second-year player is a great runner, great in routes, great in pass protection, and the team believes in him when he’s on the field.
Alabama had all the intentionality to get Haynes more touches versus the Badgers, but the game plan did not flow that way.
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The offense for Alabama may have drives against Georgia where it has to eat clock. Haynes will be vital to wear down the Bulldogs’ defensive front.
He will also come in handy in pass protection and in the receiving game, especially with Georgia looking to take away Ryan Williams.
Haynes should get more opportunities to be effective and explosive next week.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
