Freshman RB Justice Haynes misses scrimmage No. 2 with injury
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama freshman running back Justice Haynes is dealing with an injury and didn’t take part in the Crimson Tide’s second and final preseason scrimmage Saturday.
Head coach Nick Saban shared the latest on Haynes when he was asked about running backs in pass protection after Alabama’s two-hour, game-like practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Jase (McClellan) does a good job,” Saban said. “Roydell (Williams) does a good job with it. Jamarion (Miller) does a good job with it. Justice didn’t practice today. He’s been out for a few days with a quad contusion. I think all of them can do it. Richard Young, having not been here, doesn’t have the most confidence in understanding the protections and all that kind of stuff, but all three of those guys did a good job.”
Haynes was with the team as it placed the finishing touches on its game plan for Kansas State in December and gained valuable experience before the spring season began. From there, the former 5-star recruit continued to generate positive buzz in March and April, capping the spring with three touchdowns in the A-Day Game playing with the second-team offense.
This marks the second weekend in a row that an Alabama running back has dealt with an injury, with Miller participating but being limited by a thigh bruise last Saturday. But the Crimson Tide’s depth at the position allows it to still be able to deploy several talented backs this preseason. On Saturday, Williams and Miller both had strong scrimmages, per those in attendance.
Many believe Alabama’s running back group can be a strength for this year’s team.
“I actually think there’s four guys in the running back room that have really done a good job,” Saban said early on in fall camp. “Jase has been a really good leader. Roydell has always set a really good example. He’s a good special teams players, as well as a good runner. Loves to play on teams, loves to do whatever he can to help the team. Jase has really stepped up and set a good example.
“And the two young players, Justice and Jam, have done really, really well, too. Of course, we have a new addition, the new freshman, but he’s probably a little bit behind the other guys just from a learning standpoint. But I like all those guys. I think they all have great attitude, and I think that’s one of the strongest positions from a depth standpoint on our team.”
Not a member, Alabama fans? Join BOL today!
Have you subscribed to BamaOnLine.com yet? You can sign up now for a year’s worth of premium access for $74.99! Or you can also gain monthly access for just $1! Get access to premium articles and nuggets covering Alabama sports and recruiting content and also join thousands of Crimson Tide fans on the BOL Round Table message board! CLICK HERE!
