Georgia legacy Justice Haynes made his decision, he chose Alabama

Justice Haynes made a spreadsheet. He needed a way to put each of his top schools next to each other and weigh the pros and cons.

Ultimately, his decision came down to Ohio State and Alabama. He had a very strong relationship with Tony Alford, but also knew how well he and Robert Gillespie got along. Both programs have produced elite running backs in recent years.

When he got down to it, one thing separated the schools: culture. He liked what he saw at Ohio State, but he loved the experiences he had at Alabama. On Sunday, he announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide, shocking just about everyone who followed his recruitment, including Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who he told last weekend.

“The culture around Alabama made a difference to me,” Haynes told On3. “The way they work, how they compete, and the people there made a big impact on me and my decision. It is a place I fit in, a place I will get developed on and off the field, and the place I know will hold me accountable at the end of the day. The total package of what Alabama is about made it the best place for me.”

Coming to a decision was a tough process for Haynes

Heading into his official visits, Georgia was the perceived leader for Haynes. And at that time, they were on top. But as the No. 45 prospect in the On3 Consensus took those trips, he started a process of elimination — from four schools down to three, then two, and eventually one.

“It was really a tough process at the end of the day,” he said. “It came down to where I felt I could be developed on and off the field and the plan that God had for me. I let Him lead me and relied on prayers, my family, and His plan for me.”

… It was a lot of talks with my parents, and I thought about the pros and cons a lot. I even created a spreadsheet between those two and I saw things a little clearer. God, family, and my feelings helped me pick Alabama in the end.”

Development on and off the field was a major factor

Haynes has seen firsthand what the Crimson Tide offer on the field. And his connection to both coach Saban and Robert Gillespie was key. He has known Gillespie since his freshman year of high school, and the running backs coach also had connections with his family.

“He has been recruiting me since my freshman year and that relationship got stronger over time,” Haynes said. “Knowing him, building that trust, and seeing what he can do with running backs played into my decision too. We just have that connection. My mom went to college with him, so we have that connection, and I know he cares about me. I fully trust that he will make me the best he can on and off the field.”

It is not just the trust in coach Gillespie. It is the trust in the overall program.

“The trust I have in the Alabama system, the Bama way, and their culture was huge for me. What coach Saban is about, how he does things, and the way he runs the program put Alabama on top.

“The way Alabama develops its players not just on the field, but off the field, was important. Coach Saban holds his players accountable. They call it the Bama way. Either you are a part of it or you’re not and I like how the program is run. He is going to hold you accountable and make you a better man, a better person, and then a better player.

“What coach Saban does and how he runs the Alabama program is something I want to be a part of.”

Haynes wants another elite running back to join him at Alabama

Haynes called coach Saban to commit on July 9. He caught who most consider the best college football coach of all time by surprise. Saban and Gillespie didn’t see it coming.

“When I committed, they were definitely surprised,” Haynes said. “So many thought I was going to Georgia, so when I told him and coach Gillespie, they were shocked. It took them a minute to even process that I committed to them. They didn’t think they had a real shot with me. They didn’t see this coming.

“That made those calls even more exciting. They were surprised, but excited to have me.”

Haynes didn’t feel any pressure to go to Georgia. He wanted to make his own decision. And he did. He feels good about it.

“Being part of a program like Alabama is very exciting. To think about how I can pave my way to greatness there is exciting to think about. I want to go in, compete, play early, and leave a legacy there.”

Alabama has landed two quarterbacks this cycle and they want two running backs as well. Haynes is in and he will join the Alabama staff in recruiting another top target.

“Now I will be recruiting Richard Young. I am committed, I know he likes Alabama a lot, and I want him to join me. Playing with someone like Richard would be great. We can be a two-headed monster at Alabama. He knows that and I am going after him.”