Whether it’s his regimented daily routine, his “one-ingredient diet” or his knowledge of the gridiron, Justice Haynes has got it down to a tee.
The junior running back transferred to Michigan from Alabama before the ReliaQuest bowl last season, but his detailed regimen was in the works long before any collegiate ball. Growing up, Haynes’ father — a retired NFL running back — instilled the value of preparation in him, framing it as an avenue to success. And for Haynes, that has certainly rung true.
During his time with the Crimson Tide, Haynes was the go-to back. Appearing in 25 games, he rushed for 616 yards with nine touchdowns along with 17 receptions for 99 yards. Now working with the Wolverines, Haynes is bringing both that routine and experience.
“I’m very regimented,” Haynes said Wednesday. “I have a set routine that I follow each and every day. I got (in) my little notes app that I want to go to bed at this time. I want to wake up at this time. I want to do this, this, this on this day, certain treatments I want to get done on that day. How I want to go about my business. I believe preparation is very key. You want to prepare like a pro. I want to act like a pro in every aspect of my life.”
Part of that preparation has been the unique inclusion of a “one-ingredient diet.” Haynes didn’t go into detail, stating he wasn’t much of a cook, but noted that some of his favorite ingredients were steak, chicken, seafood — put simply, protein. This is a distinguishing factor that even Michigan coach Sherrone Moore took note of, saying that the diet was why Haynes “looks like a statue.”
Regardless of what he may eat, Haynes’ disciplined regimen fits quite nicely into a culture that prides itself on organization. But it’s not just his routine, or his peculiar diet, that has already turned heads on the Wolverines’ team and staff, it’s his drive and work ethic.
While it would make sense for Haynes to hit the weight room alongside the other running backs, he doesn’t. Instead, he chooses to lift with the defensive line — not only because it’s harder, but because he can and wants to push himself.
“He’s a different strong,” senior edge rusher Derrick Moore said. “He’s either in a weight room, or he’s in a training room, or he’s upstairs watching film. … He can be working out with the skill players, but no, he decided to come and work out with the big skill. He tried to do the same weight that we’re doing as well. He isn’t looking at it and questioning it, he just goes right into it and does it. He’s an animal.”
This head-down, go-to-work mentality Haynes has adopted is exactly why his teammates already look to him as a leader. One teammate in particular who’s already found himself under Haynes’ wing is sophomore running back Jordan Marshall. Alongside junior running back Benjamin Hall, Marshall is one of the backs returning to Michigan that it will rely on to orchestrate its run-heavy offense.
And to Marshall, Haynes sets the standard.
“I was excited,” Marshall said. “He’s an older guy. He’s experienced from Alabama, playing in the Rose Bowl against Michigan. Just to hear those stories, hear the guys he’s been around and been coached by, and obviously see his work ethic, I want to emulate that. I want to be like him. I want to make sure that I’m doing everything I can.”
Already a role model for the Wolverines’ players, Haynes brings much more than just experience to the field. Spring ball is still on the horizon and nothing is set in stone, but if the Wolverines can count on anything, it’s that Haynes will stick to his regimen — both on and off the field.
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