The timeline seems to shift a little more every year as early enrollees arrive even earlier each cycle.

It’s to the point a few from the most recent Alabama class began practice before they signed a National Letter of Intent on early signing day. And, for the first time, those early enrollees were able to make the trip to New Orleans where Alabama continues to prep for the Sugar Bowl on Saturday.

Obviously, they can’t participate in the game but a few have made an impression on their new teammates.

“These guys were just in a high school classroom two weeks ago,” Alabama tight end Cameron Latu said with an incredulous look on his face. “Now they’re practicing with us.”

Running back Justice Haynes — one of seven 5-stars in the class — got the majority of praise from the Crimson Tide offensive players interviewed Wednesday in New Orleans.

“I’ve seen a lot of great speed from him,” receiver Ja’Corey Brooks said of Haynes. “He’s a quiet guy. He really doesn’t talk too much but when he does talk, I hear his voice. But he brings speed and agility. He seems like he can run routes too. I like it.”

The 5-foot-11 running back from Buford, Georgia was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports composite.

Fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs said Haynes broke a long run on the Alabama defense in Tuesday’s practice.

“He’s done everything the right way,” Gibbs said, “and he fits into the group well.”

Safety Caleb Downs was the highest-rated member of the 2023 class. The No. 6 player in the 247Sports composite made an impression on Latu.

“He was on scout team with us because he just got on the team but I like the way he moves,” he said. “He’s really elusive and has the ability to change and anticipate. I can just tell he’s going to be a really good player.”

And on Haynes, Latu liked a few things.

“He’s looking pretty good,” Latu said. “I’d say his speed, seems like a power back — like he’s going to run through some stuff.”

Quarterback Bryce Young spoke to the challenge of jumping right into practices during bowl prep when they’re in heavy game plan installation.

He’s got a fourth member of the quarterback room with Eli Holstein joining the group.

“Eli, him being around, you can tell he’s trying to learn everything as quickly as he can. Again, like I said, we’re so deep into the game-planning and stuff, it can be hard when you’re just now trying to learn the offense. But he’s done a good job of understanding stuff.

“He’s been very attentive in the meetings, soaking everything in. And the reps he gets, obviously, when you first get here, you’re on scout team and you’re doing your best to try to figure everything out there. But from the things I’ve seen, all the individual drills and everything, he’s done a really good job of how he carries himself and how he can throw the ball. So I’m excited to continue to watch more.”

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.