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Inside a new transfer portal prediction for Michigan to land top RB

ECCrzGbXkAEmHxxby:EJ Holland•12/24/24•

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JusticeHaynesVU
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) runs the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

*** I’ve gone ahead and logged an On3 transfer portal prediction for Michigan to land Alabama running back Justice Haynes. I noted earlier today that I was waiting to hear back on ‘final boxes being checked’ for Haynes. I am told those boxes have been checked, and I feel confident in putting in a pick. Michigan made Haynes a top priority as soon as he entered the portal and made a strong impression on him over the weekend. A decision is expected to come soon. South Carolina and Ole Miss are the other finalists here.

*** Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford is leading the way in this recruitment. Alford and Haynes have a strong relationship dating back to Alford’s time at Ohio State. It was there where Alford initially made him a priority. Alford visited Ohio State and credited Alford for his interest in the Buckeyes before he ultimately landed at Alabama. Alford has done a tremendous job of establishing relationships with players, parents and those around recruits during his short time at U-M. It’s no surprise he was able to get the Wolverines back in the mix with Haynes.

*** Michigan has invested a lot into NIL and the portal. I was told as soon as Haynes entered that the Wolverines would be very aggressive on that front. Michigan has been working to manage its spending under new GM Sean Magee, but Haynes was a prospect the Wolverines were willing to go all in for. Michigan obviously views him as a difference maker, which should come as no surprise since Haynes was a former Top 50 recruit. He has a ton of potential and can be a bell cow in Ann Arbor.

*** Remember, new Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey was a high school coach in Haynes’ native state of Georgia. Lindsey also played a key role in putting U-M in a strong spot for Haynes this weekend. Lindsey had plenty of success with running back Omarion Hampton, and while he’ll likely bring more balance to Michigan’s offense, U-M will always be a run-focused team under Sherrone Moore and his ‘smash’ mentality. Haynes has rushed for more yards than Michigan’s entire returning backfield and is still on the younger side for a transfer.

*** Haynes rushed for 448 yards and seven touchdowns on 79 carries this past season. He was ranked as the No. 33 overall player and No. 2 running back in the 2023 recruiting class.

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