Sherrone Moore makes the case for Justice Haynes to be in Heisman consideration

Justice Haynes has been one of Michigan‘s most productive transfer this season. The former Alabama running back is currently leading the Big Ten Conference in rushing yards through six weeks.

An instant impact performer, Haynes has been at the forefront of Michigan’s 4-1 start to the season. As a result of his fast start, Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore believes it may be time for Haynes’ Heisman Trophy campaign to begin.

“Animal, animal. He should be up for the Heisman,” Moore said of his tailback on Monday. “Fifth game with 100-plus yards. … He’s consistent. He works his tail off. He’s a great human being. He’s becoming a leader in the right ways. So yeah, I’m glad we got just his hands on our team.”

As a team, Michigan has 1,189 rushing yards this season. Jordan Marshall has been a consistent backup behind Haynes, while freshman QB Bryce Underwood has to be respected as a threat in the run game. Leading the charge is Haynes, who has 85 carries for 654 yards and eight touchdowns to his credit, averaging a whopping 7.7 yards per carry this year.

Moore described him as an explosive player, and remembered watching him on film while he was at Alabama. The same type of player has shown up in Ann Arbor this season.

“I think he had the most explosive runs on (Alabama),” Moore said. “So yeah, I saw it. I knew it. And obviously, Tony had a relationship with him. As soon as he called, you know, as soon as he got in the portal, the first person he called was Tony.

“And yeah, and what you saw even more is when he got here in the spring, like, just telling you, he never got caught ever. I’m glad he’s on our team because he never got caught whenever he had those explosive runs.”

Haynes has yet to be held to under 100 yards rushing this season and has found the end zone during all five of Michigan’s games this season. His most impressive game came during the season opener against New Mexico, providing Michigan fans a strong first impression of their new tailback.

He totaled 16 carries for 159 yards and three touchdowns during the contest. Haynes’ most recent performance saw him record 117 rushing yards and a pair of scores on the ground.

Haynes will look to continue his success this season this weekend against USC. The Trojans are allowing 108 rushing yards per game this season.