Roster countdown: 24 Henderson; 22 Haynes; 21 Pope
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson; running back Justice Haynes; and safety Jake Pope.
24 WR Emmanuel Henderson
2022: As a true freshman, Henderson saw action in all 13 games. Worked primarily on special teams, where his efforts against Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, LSU and Auburn earned him player of the week recognition from the UA coaching staff. Lone reception of the season came against Austin Peay and covered 14 yards.
Of note: Former running back on the high school level has transitioned nicely to the wide receiver position. Parlayed strong performance on special teams into place on the two-deep at his primary position. In April’s A-Day game, Henderson saw action as a kickoff returner and in the slot in 11 personnel groupings on offense. It was at the latter where he hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Milroe in the third quarter. Based on current trajectory, Henderson will factor into the offensive and special teams plans for the upcoming season.
22 RB Justice Haynes
2022: As a senior at Buford (Ga.) High School, Haynes rushed for 1,695 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 239 yards and three more scores. Rounding out his touchdown total on the season were a pair of kickoff returns for scores. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Haynes checked in as the nation’s No. 2 running back prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle. He enrolled at Alabama in January and took part in spring drills in March and April.
Of note: Newcomer wasted no time establishing himself as a strong candidate for a rotational role in 2023. Working alongside Jam Miller with the Crimson (second-team) offense in the A-Day game, Haynes shined as a receiver, pass protector and short yardage performer. After scoring all three of the Crimson’s touchdowns in the scrimmage (two rushing, one as a receiver), Haynes joined Roydell Williams in being honored with the Johnny Musso Offensive Back Award. Underdevelopment in the passing game is usually what keeps a young back from getting extensive playing time. That won’t be the case with Haynes, who is advanced both as a receiver and protector.
What we wrote about Haynes upon his signing in December: “Polished, compact runner who presses the hole before using plus burst to strike for chunk runs. Vision and instincts are evident and also understands how to use off hand to keep defenders at arms length. Comes to UA fairly well versed in the passing game and also has background in the return game.”
21 S Jake Pope
2022: Redshirted during his first season in the program.
Of note: Strong performance in first A-Day game (10 tackles, sack, two pass breakups) brought with it expectation for Pope to make his mark on defense in the not-too-distant future. In separating Jermaine Burton from a hole shot down the left sideline and assisting Dezz Ricks on another deep ball, Pope showed solid range in the spring game. For now, has all the earmarks of a core special teamer in 2023.
Previous:
28 Jefferson; 26 Miller; 25 Hurley
32 Lawson; 30 Campbell; 29 Ricks
35 Alexander; 34 Robinson; 33 Osborne
41 Braswell; 40 Blackshire; 36 Jackson
45 Ouzts; 44 Payne; 43 Murphy
49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
54 McVay; 52 Booker; 50 Smith
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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