Alabama sophomore compared to Derrick Henry wants to be ‘most physical back’ in country……….
Alabama Sophomore Compared to Derrick Henry Aims to Be the ‘Most Physical Back’ in the Country
The University of Alabama has long been known for producing elite running backs, and it appears another one is emerging from the shadows in Tuscaloosa. Sophomore running back Justice Haynes has drawn early comparisons to Alabama legend Derrick Henry—not just for his physical traits, but for his punishing running style and relentless drive to dominate. Haynes, a former five-star recruit, is setting lofty goals for himself heading into the 2025 college football season, openly declaring that he wants to be “the most physical back in the country.”
Haynes, listed at 5-foot-11 and around 205 pounds, isn’t quite the towering figure that Henry was at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds. But what he lacks in sheer size, he makes up for in explosiveness, balance, and a ferocious attitude toward contact. Much like Henry in his sophomore season, Haynes is on a mission to turn potential into production—and he’s not shying away from the expectations.
“I love contact,” Haynes said in a spring interview with reporters. “I want to punish defenders. I want to wear down a defense. That’s the type of back I want to be—the most physical in the country. That’s the Alabama standard.”
The comparisons to Derrick Henry aren’t just fan hype. Coaches within the program have noted Haynes’ incredible work ethic and dedication to improving every facet of his game. Running backs coach Robert Gillespie has praised Haynes for his maturity and willingness to embrace the physical demands of the position.
“Justice is old-school,” Gillespie said. “He runs like every carry is his last. That’s what made Derrick Henry special. It’s not just size or speed—it’s the mentality. Justice has that mindset.”
Henry, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2015 and rushed for over 2,200 yards that season, set the gold standard for physical running at Alabama. Since then, the Crimson Tide have produced multiple backs who found success in the NFL, but few have carried the same aura of invincibility that Henry did during his peak. Haynes wants to change that.
In limited touches during his freshman campaign, Haynes flashed signs of brilliance. He showed great vision, patience behind the line of scrimmage, and most importantly, the ability to break tackles in tight spaces. Now entering his second year in the program, Haynes is expected to take on a much bigger role under new offensive coordinator and head coach Kalen DeBoer, who has praised Haynes’ intensity and football IQ.
“Justice is a violent runner,” DeBoer said during spring camp. “He fits the identity we want to have—tough, physical, aggressive. When he runs, he’s not just looking to get yards—he’s looking to send a message.”
Haynes has also spent the offseason adding muscle, working with Alabama’s renowned strength staff to increase his lower-body power and top-end speed. He’s been clocked in the high 4.4s in the 40-yard dash, a remarkable time for someone who runs with such downhill authority.
But for Haynes, the physical part is only one piece of the puzzle. He’s studying film, working on pass protection, and trying to become a reliable pass-catching threat out of the backfield. That all-around versatility could make him a major weapon in Alabama’s offense this fall.
“I’m not trying to be Derrick Henry,” Haynes clarified. “He’s one of the best ever, and I respect everything he did. But I want to be the best version of me—and I want defenders to feel me for four quarters. That’s the goal.”
As the Crimson Tide prepare for a challenging SEC schedule, Haynes’ emergence could be a key factor in their success. With an offensive line that’s expected to be more physical than in recent years, and a new offensive scheme that emphasizes balance and toughness, Haynes is in the perfect situation to thrive.
While it’s too early to project Heisman campaigns or NFL futures, one thing is clear: Justice Haynes is hungry. The physical tools are there. The mindset is there. And if history is any indication, Alabama’s next great running back may already be wearing No. 22 and lowering his shoulder for extra yards in spring scrimmages.
The legacy of Alabama running backs is rich—with names like Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Najee Harris, and of course, Derrick Henry. Justice Haynes isn’t trying to rewrite that history—he’s trying to etch his own chapter into it.
One bruising run at a time.