The college football season is settling in, and with every week we’re seeing new players step into the spotlight and shape the devy conversation. Each edition of Devy Deep Dive – Player of the Week highlights one standout whose performance demands a closer look, from on-field traits to draft stock and long-term outlook. In Week 3, that spotlight shines on Michigan running back Justice Haynes, who delivered a statement performance that firmly places him on the devy radar after a down 2024 season.
Player Introduction & Context
Michigan entered 2025 with the expectation of a true split backfield between sophomore Jordan Marshall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes. Coaches labeled them a “1a” and “1b” duo throughout the offseason, but through two games it’s clear Haynes has seized the lead role.
The 5’11”, 210-pound junior has wasted no time proving why he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He currently ranks fifth in the FBS with 388 rushing yards on 49 carries, with three runs of 50+ yards already this season. That big-play ability has separated him from Marshall, who’s seen just 36 snaps to Haynes’ 88 and nearly half the touches.
Haynes’ breakout has come with a balance of power and speed that feels familiar to Michigan fans his physicality and vision bring shades of Blake Corum, while his ability to accelerate in space echoes Donovan Edwards. Last week against Central Michigan, he churned out 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, showcasing both his contact balance and his ability to finish runs with authority.
This type of impact wasn’t always visible during his first two years at Alabama, where he flashed efficiency (5.9 yards per carry, 9 touchdowns) but never claimed a featured role. At Michigan, the staff is leaning on him heavily, and he’s already halfway to his previous season’s carry total. Running backs coach Tony Alford praised Haynes’ preparation and understanding of blocking schemes, noting his ability to anticipate leverage and hit the right tracks with perfect timing.
From a recruiting perspective, Haynes was always billed as a high-floor back. He has the requisite size, frame, and pedigree his father was drafted into the NFL in 2002 and combines natural contact balance with suddenness in short areas. While he may not have the elite top-end speed of other backs in the 2026 class, his acceleration, vision, and downhill explosiveness make him a problem for defenses. Through two weeks, he’s not just Michigan’s RB1 he’s staking his claim as one of the most productive backs in the Big Ten.
Film Room – What the Tape Shows 🎥
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