Jamal Haynes Discusses His Mentality and what is is like being the leader of the running back room now.

Jackson Caudell | Apr 2, 2024

Nov 25, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (11) runs / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Another week of spring practice is underway for Georgia Tech and the Yellow Jackets are rolling towards their annual White and Gold Spring Game.

Unlike some recent years, Georgia Tech goes into the spring knowing they have the key pieces of the ACC's top rushing attack back for another season. Last season, Georgia Tech surprised a lot of people by being able to run the football so well and the guy leading the rushing attack was converted wide receiver Jamal Haynes, who went over 1,000 yards. 

Haynes is back to lead the Yellow Jackets into the 2024 season and he met with the media after practice on Tuesday and here is what he had to say. 

1. On his mentality and comfort level heading into the spring...

"The comfort level definitely is a little bit better just being within this year, being in the position already, but the mentality is still the same. Come in ready to work, ready to get the information that I need and ready to go out and perform."

2. On the short-yardage period in the scrimmage over the weekend and how he felt he and others did...

"Just specifically for myself, now I'm being aware of the down and distance, being in a situation of football, being aware of what's going on. So trying to get that first down, trying to get the touchdown, whatever is in our way, and just from the young guys, being able to take coaching, being able to take any type of criticism that there is in applying it to the game. And I really see that in the young guys right now. They're doing a really, very phenomenal job."

3. On what it is like being the leader in the room...

"It's definitely a role to take advantage of. I mean take advantage of the opportunity to spread what you're spreading knowledge and spread what you know and then letting them apply it to the game and letting them develop into their own development. player that they can be. So it's been very fun, it's been very fun."

4. On what he wanted to accomplish going into the spring...

"Absolutely, being better detailed at that running back position, running back is a very detailed position and you just want to come in and know exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it. So I actually wrote down a few personal things I wanted to get better on this spring and we're working through those."