Matt Zenitz: Justice Haynes among several Alabama freshmen impressing during spring practice

Alabama has a special lineup of running backs during the Nick Saban era. They are hoping true freshman Justice Haynes could be the next one, being a near five-star prospect. Those in Tuscaloosa will be glad to know On3’s Matt Zenitz is already hearing rave reviews about Haynes.

Zenitz made an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show on Wednesday, talking about the high marks Haynes has received. There were two plays in particular that stood out, with both coming during this weekend’s spring scrimmage. Haynes seemingly had the ability to showcase his different attributes.

“One newcomer that continues to come up on my end and really have heard some terrific stuff about is a four-star, highly ranked running back that they have in Justice Haynes,” Zenitz said. “Justice during the course of their scrimmage this past weekend — I think it was on the first play from scrimmage or at least early in the scrimmage — broke off and nice, chunk run against Alabama’s defense. I believe it was the first-team group. And then later on in the scrimmage, showed off some of his power and bowled through multiple defenders on to his way to a red zone touchdown run.

“He has consistently flashed during the course of the spring and adds to what should be a strength for Alabama this year.”

Haynes played high school football at Roswell (GA) Buford, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 33 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

To make matters even better, Haynes was a major recruiting win over Kirby Smart and Georgia. Hearing positive reviews this early in his college career proves an impressive player is on the horizon for the Crimson Tide.

Justice Haynes member of loaded Alabama running back room

While Haynes might be breaking out, there are still other running back pieces Alabama has at its disposal. Jase McClellan returns as the program’s leading rusher, while Jamarion Miller showed flashes during his freshman season.

Oh, and another highly-ranked running back will be joining the program this summer via the 2023 recruiting class. Quality depth throughout for position coach Robert Gillespie.

“With a running back group that not only includes (Haynes) but you have a returning contributor in Jase McClellan,” Zenitz said. “Ran for 700 yards last year. Two other former top-100 recruits in Roydell Williams and Jamarion Miller. And then, guess what? Add another top-100 recruit this summer in terms of another freshman (Richard Young) coming in.”

With the quarterback battle taking place, Saban has continually talked about development — which takes time. Early in the season, Alabama might have to rely on their running backs early in the season. Luckily, that works out just fine for their offensive coordinator.

“So, the running back group should very much be a strength again and if the quarterback unit can continue to progress like they have to this point under Tommy Rees, I think this Alabama offense could be in solid shape heading into this season,” Zenitz said.