WATCH: Lou Esposito, Tony Alford talk Michigan football before USC game

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines football defensive line coach Lou Esposito and running backs coach Tony Alford met with the media Wednesday afternoon ahead of their team’s game at USC this weekend. Watch video of Esposito in the player at the top of the screen and Alford in the embed below.

Notes from Michigan press conference

Alford discussed what surprised him about junior running back Justice Haynes, who’s been stellar to start the 2025 campaign after transferring in following two seasons at Alabama.

“He’s faster than I thought he was,” Alford said. “But to say did we expect certain things? I expected him to come in here and compete and play at a high level, which he’s doing and has done since the day he’s gotten here, so I’m glad he’s with us.”

Haynes has grown since Alabama and even during the course of this season at Michigan.

“I would say just I think his leadership qualities are getting better and more enhanced, I should say, as he becomes more comfortable in this space, as well” Alford said. “He’s a student of the game. He’s in this building all the time, watching a lot of film. He’s a film junky, if you will. So, yeah, he’s been great. He’s been great in the meeting rooms. The players have embraced him as he’s embraced the culture. He’s a joy to be around and a joy to coach.”