Alabama Loses Promising Sophomore RB Justice Haynes to the Transfer Portal
Alabama’s running back depth took a hit as Justice Haynes, a promising sophomore, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Haynes, a highly-rated recruit in the 2023 class, had shown flashes of his potential during his freshman season, making his departure a notable loss for the Crimson Tide’s offense.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Haynes was a standout at Buford High School in Georgia, where he was ranked among the top running backs in the nation. As a freshman at Alabama, he displayed impressive vision, balance, and power, earning a respectable role in the backfield rotation. While he shared carries with veteran backs like Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, Haynes still showcased his ability to break tackles and make explosive plays, making it clear he had a bright future in Tuscaloosa.
However, despite his early promise, Haynes has opted to seek a new opportunity elsewhere. His decision to transfer comes as a surprise to many, given his talent and the fact that he was expected to play a larger role in the coming seasons. His move leaves Alabama with a vacancy in the backfield, which will likely prompt additional competition for playing time between the remaining backs on the roster, including Jase McClellan and Richard Young, the latter of whom is an incoming freshman.
While his departure marks the end of Haynes’ brief tenure at Alabama, it also opens up possibilities for his future. With several programs likely to pursue him, Haynes will be a highly sought-after transfer, with his combination of size and speed making him an appealing asset for many college football teams. Alabama fans will be left to wonder what could have been, but the team must now adjust to his absence as they prepare for the 2024 season.