Justice Haynes believes Michigan football running back room could be best in the country

USA Today

29-03-2025

Justice Haynes believes Michigan football running back room could be best in the country
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Wolverines quietly went after players they wanted in the transfer portal this offseason, and despite not getting a ton of national attention, they did make at least one huge splash.
That splash came in getting former Alabama running back Justice Haynes, a former five-star recruit, that just about no one expected to enter the portal until he was suddenly departing Tuscaloosa. Though much of the offseason hype has surrounded quarterback Bryce Underwood, Haynes enters as a seasoned vet, and he's certainly brimming with confidence.
"I'm going to do it all. I'm going to do whatever they need me to do," Haynes said. "I'm going to work hard. I'm going to do what coach needs me to do and just go out there and ball."
Haynes comes in and pairs with sophomore Jordan Marshall who showed out against Haynes' former team in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The duo are similar, but of course, also do things differently.
When it comes to what each can and can't do, Haynes is confident in the room's ability to maximize each other's potential -- on the practice field as well as when called upon in games. But it's not just the duo -- it's also the others in the room who comprise the running back attack.
Ben Hall got a lot of snaps in the Alabama game, Micah Ka'apana has been waiting his turn. The Wolverines have an early enrollee on campus in former IMG Academy standout Donovan Johnson, and they'll be bringing in Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw tailback Jasper Parker this summer.
Haynes loves what the maize and blue have in his position group and thinks this group could comprise the best in the nation.
"I think they balance each other really well," Haynes said. "I feel like every running back has a uniqueness about them and a different sauce that they bring. But as a whole running back room, I feel like we have a great room. We say it every day, our expectation is to be the best in the country. And we ain't striving for nothing less. We're going to be the best in the country."
Fans will get an opportunity to see Haynes and company in action on April 19 in the annual spring game held at The Big House.