Versatile Jay Haynes Could Enhance Clemson’s Ground Game in 2024
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When Clemson redshirt freshman running back Jay Haynes committed to the Tigers on Jan. 11, 2023, eyebrows were raised. The Roanoke, Alabama native's numbers were staggering, 2,669 yards with 37 touchdowns in two years at Class 4A Handley High, but he had zero offers from Power Five schools before Clemson's running backs coach, C.J. Spiller, extended the opportunity late in October of 2022.
Entering fall camp in 2023, Haynes knew playing time would be limited behind veteran backs, Will Shipley, a 2024 NFL Draft selection (127th overall), and Phil Mafah, Clemson's leader in rushing (965 yards) and touchdowns (13) last season.
He recorded modest stats with 35 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, plus two catches, 20 yards, and a touchdown reception. Unfortunately, injuries -- hamstring and high ankle sprain -- plagued him during the season, limiting him to three games and keeping him out of spring practices.
"He was literally getting ready to play last year, pulled a hamstring," said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney of Haynes when he previewed the running backs before fall camp. "So, I'm cautious about him. I'm excited because I know what we've seen. But we just need to have him available. And if he is, I think he can compete."
Now fully recovered and having bulked up 15 pounds, Haynes, standing at 5'11 and 200 pounds, feels ready to make an impact this fall. The time off allowed him to focus on his lower body strength and nutrition, which he believes will help prevent future injuries.
"I put in a lot of work, honestly, while I was injured with my lower body. Most of the time during practice, I'd be doing stuff with my upper body," he explained. "I changed my nutrition plan. Nutrition could be a factor in why I'm getting injured."
With Shipley in camp with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mafah is the established starter, leading a group of young, hungry backs.
"It's the same way just how I came in with him (Mafah) and Ship. Phil is one of the best running backs. So, [I'm] taking my talents and stacking it with Phil's talent and getting under his wing and learning extra things to take into the game," Haynes said.
Haynes is competing with redshirt sophomore Keith Adams Jr., redshirt freshman Jarvis Green, and freshman David Eziomume for backup and third-string snaps.
"The goal is definitely to get in and get into the rotation," noted Haynes. "Everyone wants to get into the rotation. It's always a process. You can't go in and just expect to be the backup. You got to put in the work, the time, watch film, do studies, and be able to pick up all the little things."
Mafah, at 6'1 and 228 pounds, and Adams (5'9, 218), nicknamed "Hammerhead," are projected to be the initial one-two punch in the backfield. Both are best known for their power.
Haynes, however, brings a different element to the table. "I'm pretty much a speed guy. I feel I bring versatility and a lot of stuff to the game, but not just one thing."
In the Tigers’ 66-17 win over Charleston Southern, fans witnessed Haynes's versatility and speed in the fourth quarter. First, he sprinted 8 yards for a touchdown on his first offensive series. Next, he exploded for 17 yards and a first down on his second offensive series and ended it and the game with a 6-yard touchdown reception.
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It was quite the debut for Haynes because he became the first Tiger to have a rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game since former running back Chez Mellusi against Pitt in 2020.
His performance against the Buccaneers also left Clemson fans curious about what Haynes could truly bring to the field.
Mafah, who is on The PwC SMU Athletic Forum watchlist for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, may have an answer for them.
"Jay's a game changer," he said on Monday after practice about Haynes. "He can do many different things. He's a fast guy. He can run inside the box, outside the box. He can catch the ball. He can do whatever you want him to do, block. So, it's always great having another running back in the room that's able to play because we need all hands on deck."
