Alabama football has 11 names in the NCAA transfer portal, including seven from its offense.
What Parker Brailsford’s decision to return means for Alabama OL in 2025?
Justice Haynes, a former five-star in the 2023 class from Buford, Ga., became the latest name Friday to enter the portal. The talented running back recorded 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns as a freshman on Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Conference Championship team. Nick Sabam was giddy about Haynes in spring practice and his excitement for him continued into the season.
Much was expected from Haynes this season and he totaled seven rushing scores and 448 yards, but did he have enough opportunities to showcase his talents? Statistics would say no as he averaged six carries per game. He is heading to place where he can be the featured back, but what does it mean for Alabama’s running back room?
Jam Miller is the featured guy in the backfield.
He finished the regular season with 641 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 135 carries.
The coaching staff trusted Miller more with the ball as he averaged nearly 12 carries a game (11.25).
He was an exceptional pass-blocker and caught 13 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. If Miller chooses to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his senior season, he would be the biggest voice in the running back room. Richard Young, a former 5-star from the 2023 class, would be the next important back. Young, a native Floridian, would be fully healthy next season — starting in the spring.
He was banged up at times this season; however, he finished with 25 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Young brings a physicality to him, but he also has some speed. He needs to develop more breakaway speed on big runs to be a home run hitter.
Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley were freshmen this season, but now it’s time for them to be called on more. Hill, a native Mississippian, has a rushing touchdown as a power back. Riley, a Tuscaloosa native, has more speed and explosiveness.
Alabama also has Akylin Dear, a freshman signee from Mississippi, in the room too. It will be interesting to see how he fits the rotation.
It does not feel good to lose Haynes, but Alabama has not had a game-breaker at running back since Jahmyr Gibbs. Miller will be good for the Tide and Young has the potential, but should Alabama hit the portal for a back? We will see what the coaches do.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
