Justice Haynes, a five-star running back from the Class of 2023 who played the past two seasons at Alabama, is officially transferring to Michigan.
The Wolverines announced the signing on Friday. Haynes also visited South Carolina and Ole Miss before choosing Michigan.
Welcome to Ann Arbor, @justicehaynes6! 〽️#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/D3Gssapjxb
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 3, 2025
Haynes, listed at 5 feet 11 and 210 pounds, is a powerful runner from Buford, Ga., who should fit coach Sherrone Moore’s “smash” mentality. With Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards moving on, Michigan was short on running backs with big-game experience.
Haynes, who rushed for 616 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry at Alabama, fills that need and should have a prominent role in Michigan’s backfield alongside third-year running back Benjamin Hall and second-year players Jordan Marshall and Micah Ka’apana. With Mullings and Edwards not playing, Marshall led Michigan with 23 carries for 100 yards in the Wolverines’ 19-13 upset of Haynes’ former team in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday.
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Haynes, the No. 29 player in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the Class of 2023, showed flashes of his ability at Alabama but was still waiting for his breakout game. He had four carries for 102 yards in the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Western Kentucky and rushed eight times for 79 yards against Missouri. He was third on the team in carries and rushing yards behind Jalen Milroe and Jam Miller and tied with Miller for second with seven rushing touchdowns.
Haynes joins defensive tackle Damon Payne in transferring from Alabama to Michigan. His commitment adds to an active transfer portal window for the Wolverines, who are in the midst of retooling their roster after an 8-5 season.
Michigan has added transfer commitments from Haynes, Payne, quarterback Mikey Keene (Fresno State), wide receiver Donaven McCulley (Indiana), offensive lineman Brady Norton (Cal Poly), linebacker Troy Bowles (Georgia) and defensive backs Tevis Metcalf and TJ Metcalf (Arkansas)
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