Georgia Tech is bringing back multiple starters from one of the best offensive lines in the country, including running back Jamal Haynes.
Jamal Haynes was such a great story last season. He transitioned from wide receiver to running back during fall camp, and the move paid off. Haynes earned All-ACC honors as a running back (third team) and was also named honorable mention as an all-purpose performer. He finished second on the team at Georgia Tech with 1,059 rushing yards, seven touchdown runs and six yards per carry. Those numbers ranked him fifth in the ACC in rushing yards, tied for sixth in the conference with seven rushing touchdowns and third in the league with 6.0 yards per carry. Haynes had a strong performance in the bowl against UCF, rushing for a game-high 128 yards on 18 carries. He also pitched well against the Georgia Bulldogs, rushing for 81 yards. Haynes is the Yellow Jackets' second-highest rated player by Pro Football Focus with a 76.9 rating and appears poised for another big season in 2024. I think even though he's having a big season, he doesn't get the recognition he has in the past.
According to Pro Football Focus, Haynes is the sixth-rated running back in the ACC heading into the 2024 season, ahead of Pitt's Desmond Reed, North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, California's Jadon Ott and Miami's Damian Martinez. , behind Miami's Mark Fletcher and Clemson's Phil Mafa.
I think this shows just how loaded the ACC running back position is heading into next season. Already a full group, Cal's Jadon Ott joined the league and Miami was able to acquire former Oregon State running back Damian Martinez, who was an All-Pac-12 running back with the Beavers. If Fletcher stays healthy this season, Miami could have one of the most talented duos in the league.
It's hard to find a better group of running backs in the Power 4 conferences, and all of these players should have great seasons. Haynes is probably the most underrated of the entire group, but could prove to be the best on the team by the end of the season.