Justice Haynes, Jam Miller could add new dimension to Alabama offense in 2024

Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams accounted for over 50% of the carries for Alabama last season. Those two are now out of the program, declaring for the NFL Draft and entering the NCAA transfer portal, respectively. It’s a new era for the Crimson Tide in the running back room.

The two names that instantly come to mind? Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, the two On3’s Jesse Simonton has dubbed the future. After getting limited touches in 2023, the duo are set to take center stage and everyone in Tuscaloosa is expecting a breakout.

“The fact that these two blue-chip tailbacks only really got a cup of water this year– I think they’re going to be drinking from the hose next season,” Simonton said during Tuesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “I think they’re going to be the guys.”

If anything, Miller was the third running back for Alabama, receiving 41 carries for 201 yards and one touchdown. Haynes just wrapped up his true freshman season but has a ton of hype surrounding him. A four-star prospect coming out of Buford (GA) High School, Haynes has been deemed special from the get-go.

We even got a sneak preview during the Rose Bowl against Michigan. Haynes brought life into the Alabama offense with 31 yards on just four carries. In a vacuum, it does not seem like much. But after not seeing Haynes on the field during many truly competitive snaps all season, the impact was palpable.

“It reminds me, a little bit, of when they gave Derrick Henry a little more run in the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State after not using him very much in 2014,” Staples said. “I think we’re going to see a lot of Justice Haynes early on based on the flashes we saw in the Rose Bowl. And for those of us that follow recruiting, we’re very excited for what he can be.”

Alabama has a long lineage of running backs under Nick Saban, with two winning the Heisman Trophy. Even when the offense evolved with Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young at quarterback, there were star players in the backfield.

Haynes and Miller should have the opportunity to be next on the list, beginning next season. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will have time to figure out exact roles before the season opener vs. Western Kentucky on Aug. 31.

Alongside Jalen Milroe, the Alabama offense is expected to be a ton more explosive and primed to compete for another national championship in 2024.