Marshall, Haynes embrace roles in Michigan’s running back room
Michigan running backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes are not interested in a thunder-and-lightning label.
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Instead, they see themselves as a pair of complete backs, equally capable of powering through defenders, catching passes, and protecting the quarterback. Head coach Sherrone Moore has called them “1A and 1B,” and both agree it doesn’t matter which one starts.
“It doesn’t matter,” Haynes said Thursday in a media appearance after fall camp practice. “At the end of the day, we both want to get our touches. We both want to get our opportunities. It’s not really about how many touches you get, who, quote, unquote, is the starter, second, third. It’s about what you do with the opportunities that you get and making the most out of them.”
Marshall echoed the sentiment, saying the focus is on winning rather than titles on the depth chart. “I truly believe that if I have to run the ball one time, ten times, whatever it is, if I have to pass block, I’m just going to go out there and do my best and help this team win,” Marshall said. “At the end of the day, I know Justice thinks the same way.”
“Both Complete Backs”
While the competition for carries could create tension in other programs, Marshall and Haynes see their partnership as a strength.
“We’re both complete backs. From passing, pass pro, to catching the ball, to running the ball,” Marshall said. “We’re pretty physical, both of us. We like to make people miss. We like to talk a little smack. But it’s been fun just learning from him and learning from his game.”
Haynes has been equally impressed with Marshall’s style. “I think the way that Jordan… the physicality he runs with, I think that’s very special,” Haynes said. “No matter how the play is going, he’s always falling forward. He’s always going to find a way to break tackles, make someone miss, and keep falling forward.”
That mutual respect extends beyond the field. Marshall noted that Haynes has influenced his approach to preparation. “Something that I really look up to is just how he prepares, how he gets his body right,” Marshall said. “Something that I can be better at, and I’m trying to take that from his game and learn from him in that aspect.”
Both backs are quick to point out that the entire running back room — which includes veterans and young talent — could play significant roles this season. But when Michigan opens the year, its offense will lean heavily on the duo.
“We want to be the best unit in the country,” Haynes said. “Not just the best running back unit, but the best overall unit. There’s a standard that we’ve got to uphold.”
Haynes and Marshall were each named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, an award given to the best running back at the end of the season.
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