Alabama’s new-look offense under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees took the field for A-Day. Aside from one trick play, the scheme was relatively straightforward since teams didn’t want to give anything away to opposing coaches.

That meant the running backs, all four of which UA is excited about, would get plenty of opportunities. And like he has been all spring, Justice Haynes was ready.

An up-and-down day for the Tide offense was lifted by Haynes, who scored a team-high three touchdowns as Team Crimson beat Team White, 30-21. The Georgia freshman had 10 carries, the most of any running back, for 24 yards. He caught a Team Crimson-best four catches for 40 yards and another score.

Haynes, listed at 5-foot-11, 200-pounds, powered through a unit comprising of Alabama second-teamers for touchdown runs of 2 and 3 yards. While he averaged just 2.4 yards a carry and his longest rush was 6 yards, it was another productive outing for Haynes to boost his case for playing time this fall.

“Justice is a really good player,” Saban said postgame. “He had a great spring. He’s got great maturity about him. Wouldn’t know he’s a freshman if you didn’t know better. The guy, nothing is too big for him in terms of learning, going out and executing. He’s not intimidated by anything and the guy’s got toughness. He can run behind his pads. He’s got good speed. He’s a good reciever. He can make you miss. I think he’s got a really bright future and I think he will contribute to the team this year.”

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In the passing game, Haynes was targeted five times as the quarterbacks struggled to push the ball downfield. The Alabama defense combined for 12 sacks and wide reciever drops compounded the issue. Haynes provided a suitable outlet, taking one quick pass from Ty Simpson through the right side of the defense for 21 yards. It was a similar sequence for Haynes’ 6-yard touchdown reception when Dylan Lonergan found him out of the backfield for a 6-yard strike.

Not to say that Alabama’s other running backs weren’t efficient. Jase McClellan had 37 yards on seven carries for Team White. Roydell Williams had seven touches for 43 total yards. The ground game was also the most productive tool for both Simpson (six carries for 58 yards, most coming on a 45-yard gain) and Jalen Milroe (20 yards and a touchdown) on Saturday.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].