Wolverine TV: Breaking down five key Michigan transfer portal visitors
The Wolverine‘s EJ Holland breaks down five key transfer portal players who visited over the weekend, including former Alabama running back Justice Haynes.
Watch the full video at the end of this story.
Haynes Recruitment
Michigan offered Haynes when he was a recruit out of Buford (Ga.) High as a part of the 2023 recruiting class. However, former running backs coach Mike Hart never created any real movement.
Haynes eventually signed with Alabama and made an impact this season, rushing 79 times for 448 yards and 7 touchdowns, splitting time with teammate Jamarion Miller.
Michigan is looking for help at the running back position as both Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards are out of eligibility. The Wolverines do not have an experienced ball carrier on the roster.
Here is what Holland had to say about Haynes.
“Haynes was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and would be a fantastic addition to the Michigan backfield,” Holland said. “Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford recruited Haynes when he was at Ohio State. Haynes was high on Ohio State and has a really strong relationship with Alford, which should help the Wolverines here. Michigan needs some experience in the backfield. There are high hopes for Jordan Marshall, and Benjamin Hall has flashed some, but they need someone who is a bit more proven. Haynes has rushed for more yards than the entire returning running back room combined. He would be a great fit at U-M.”
Haynes was ranked as the No. 2 running back and No. 33 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, per the On3 Industry ranking. He was also ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the state of Georgia.
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Haynes is now ranked as the No. 1 running back and No. 21 overall player in the On3 transfer portal player rankings.
Ole Miss and South Carolina also hosted Haynes for visits this month. He is expected to make a decision soon.
Michigan has landed six players out of the transfer portal this month — linebacker Troy Bowles (Georgia), wide receiver Donaven McCulley (Indiana), offensive lineman Brady Norton (Cal Poly), cornerback Tevis Metcalf (Arkansas), safety TJ Metcalf (Arkansas) and defensive tackle Damon Payne Jr. (Alabama).
Michigan has the No. 1 ranked transfer portal class in the Big Ten and No. 3 nationally, per the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index. The Wolverines currently sit behind Ole Miss and Texas Tech.
