Elite 2023 RB Justice Haynes Commits to Alabama

The four-star back chose the Crimson tide over offers from Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and others.

Alabama added another key addition to its star-studded 2023 class Sunday as it received a commitment from four-star running back Justice Haynes. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back chose the Crimson Tide over offers from home-state Georgia as well as Florida, Ohio State, Southern California and others. 

Paving my path to Greatness!! #committed pic.twitter.com/bxoconEUXR

— Justice Haynes (@justicehaynes6) July 17, 2022

"I feel like at Alabama I can get developed on and off the field as a man," Haynes told BamaCentral. "Then just playing under Saban. Saban's the GOAT. He's going to hold you accountable no matter what. It's the 'Bama way or you got to get out of there, but the 'Bama way has obviously worked for many years. Saban has built something special and is going to continue to build something special. 

"It's just the relationship I have with Coach Saban, the relationship I have with Coach [Robert] Gillespie, not only them but also the strength coach and the trainers. The one-on-one time I've had talking with all of them has made this decision clear for me. Also, putting it in God's hands. I just feel like this is the best decision for me and following in the path He has for me."

Haynes said he knew he would commit to Alabama for roughly a week. However, the news came as a bit of a surprise to Nick Saban and Robert Gillespie.

"They were very shocked," Haynes said. "They were like, 'This made my day. Wow, I can't believe it. Telling them was amazing. You could tell they were excited.

"They told me they feel like I can do it all. I can catch out of the backfield, run in between tackles, run outside, run someone over. I can make someone miss. Coach Gillespie said he loves all of that. He also loves the mental side of my game, how I'm mentally prepared, the way I watch film, the way I can read defenses. He loves the mental game because at the next level it's not just about physical ability, it's about mental too."

Haynes is rated as the No. 4 running back and No. 50 overall player in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He is coming off a junior season at Blessed Trinity High School where he rushed for 2,375 and 29 touchdowns while averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Over his three seasons on the varsity level, Haynes has ran for 5,879 yards and 72 touchdowns. 

"Haynes is a three-down back with the physical build to play SEC football right now," Sports Illustrated’s director of recruiting, John Garcia Jr. told BamaCentral. "There is vision, balance, explosion and an all-around skill set that may be reminiscent of the 'workhorse' Alabama running backs of yesteryear. Throw in NFL bloodlines and considerable production against very strong competition and the fit in Tuscaloosa May not take long to see on the field itself."

Haynes, who is on track to join Alabama as an early enrollee next January, says he is done with his recruitment and will not visit any other schools moving forward. He is set to travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala., at the end of the month and also plans to return to campus for games through the fall. 

Haynes is the 12th member of Alabama's 2023 class and the first running back to commit to the Crimson Tide in the current cycle. The Crimson Tide signed a pair of running backs in this year's class, bringing in four-star talents Emmanuel Henderson and Jamarion Miller. Alabama's depth could come in handy next year as current backs Jahmyr Gibbs, Trey Sanders, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams are all draft-eligible after this season.

Alabama has received nine of its 12 commitments for the 2023 class over the past month. The Crimson Tide's class is currently rated at No. 11 by 247Sports, No. 15 by Rivals and No. 3 by On3.

Haynes is the son of former Georgia running back Verron Haynes, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Following Justice's commitment, Verron tweeted a message supporting his son's decision.

Every man has their path 2 walk & I’m proud of U for choosin your own. I know the process may have been long & difficult but at the end I’m confident U made the best decision for U. Here’s to your future and all you’ll become. 🍻To the next level. To be continued.. Roll Tide! https://t.co/AkOZfKDPhD

— Verron Haynes " Dachosen1 " (@VerronHaynes) July 17, 2022