ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines dipped into the transfer portal this offseason for former Alabama running back Justice Haynes as it reshapes its offense and run game. The junior is expected to form a tandem with sophomore Jordan Marshall that could make for one of the best duos in the Big Ten. Over the […]
ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines dipped into the transfer portal this offseason for former Alabama running back Justice Haynes as it reshapes its offense and run game. The junior is expected to form a tandem with sophomore Jordan Marshall that could make for one of the best duos in the Big Ten.
Over the years, Michigan has had the “thunder and lightning” type of backfields with one player who is a vintage power runner and a second guy who is a big play threat with home run speed.
Haynes and Marshall are believed to both be complete backs not not only compliment each other, but bring the thunder and lightning on their own as the 1A and 1B options in Michigan’s run game. However, he sees the entire room as the same level of rusher.
”I would describe us as dynamic running backs. Both can break the game open, very explosive,” Hyanes said on Thursday. “I know a lot of people talk about just Jordan and I, but I think it’s a testament to our whole room. I think our whole room is very explosive. I think anyone can go out there and make plays. It’s not just Jordan or me. It starts from the oldest guy in the room, who is [Fred Jackson], pushing us and leading us and challenging us every day. And then we as the running backs carry that on and push each other. Iron sharpens iron.
“Desmond Howard said it best to us yesterday… I’ve never seen a great player get caught up in greatness. And I think that’s just the testament to our room. If you want to be the best running back in the country, it comes out of the best running back room. We say it all the time: we want to be the best unit in the country. Not just the best running back unit, but the best overall unit.
“When you look at it, you shouldn’t be able to see one leader in the room. We’re all leaders. We’re all the number one running back. And we’re all gonna make plays.”
Haynes and Marshall connected immediately upon his visit to Michigan, and running backs coach Tony Alford made a push and closed the deal years after trying to recruit him at Ohio State.
”I think when I first came on my visit I connected well with Jordan,” Haynes said. “He hosted me. So that was really cool. [Alford], I’ve known him for five years now, going back to when I was getting recruited, probably longer than that. So the relationship we built was always great. When I was getting recruited. He made it hard for me to say no to him, and then it’s just crazy how it comes full circle.
“Coming in, I tried to lead any way I possibly could. But I think leading starts first with just the work that you put in and leading by example. And so I just did that. And then just trying to help them any way I possibly can with using my voice, but also them helping me. Seeing things that maybe I don’t see and me telling them things that I don’t see. We’ve become really close.”
Michigan has fit Haynes like a glove thus far, and he says that everyone is pushing the other to squeeze every drop out of what this season could be.
“Oh, we’re going to be physical. That’s one thing I will say,” Haynes said. “This program is built on physicality. We’re built on ‘the work is the work.’ There’s no shortcut behind it. We’re going to go to work. We’re not going to talk about it. We’re just going to do the work and let the work speak for itself.
“But this program is just tremendous. I’m very honored and blessed to be able to say I’m part of it. I’m a Michigan man now. And so it’s part of such a prestigious program. And just everyone in this building, we all just continue to keep coming together and pushing each other.”
Category: General Sports
