ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines running backs coach Tony Alford addressed questions about the roles and rotation of Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, who are considered the team’s 1A and 1B backs, while taking a dig at Ohio State
Alford said both players are complete and versatile, capable of handling the entire offense.
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“There’s no defined roles like this guy’s going to do this, this guy’s going to do that,” said Alford.
If pressed, Alford said Marshall might be the choice for short-yardage situations because he’s more rugged between the tackles.
However, he emphasized that Haynes is also capable in those situations.
Comparing the two, Alford noted Haynes has more big-play potential on the perimeter, while Marshall prefers to run north-south and is a physical runner.
Both catch the ball well, but Marshall is currently a bit ahead in pass protection technique.
Alford also highlighted Haynes’ top-end speed as a key attribute.
Despite their differences, Alford said both backs are dynamic and capable in multiple facets of the game.
First carry vs. New Mexico
When asked who would get the first carry vs. New Mexico on Saturday (Aug. 30) inside The Big House in Ann Arbor at 7:30 p.m. on NBC, Alford said the decision would come after practice and stressed that both backs would play extensively.
“I don’t care who gets the first carry,” Alford said.
Alford mentioned that other backs, such as Micah Ka’apana, Jasper Parker, and staff, are competing for the third running back spot.
He praised Ka’apana’s ability to make plays in space and his growth in size and strength.
Justice Haynes
Discussing Haynes, Alford said he’s a football player with a high football IQ who studies film diligently.
“He watches film with me every night after practice,” Alford said. Justice’s maturity and dedication to nutrition, sleep, and hydration have positively influenced the room.
Snap distribution
Regarding snap distribution, Alford said the rotation will depend on game situations and that they will likely ride the “hot hand,” as they did in the bowl game last season.
Alford described having multiple versatile running backs as a benefit, allowing the team to play championship-level football with depth and talent.
He praised Parker as a big, strong, physical player with good vision who is still improving on details like hand placement and blocking technique.
Despite limited college experience, Alford said Parker has a bright future.
Preparing for season opener
When preparing for the season opener against the New Mexico Lobos, who have a new coaching staff, Alford said both teams face challenges in evaluating each other and emphasized the importance of focusing on daily improvement and precision.
Alford also shared insights on recruiting, praising Michigan’s unique culture, staff, and head coach.
He said the players themselves are the best recruiters, and the community’s embrace of the team is unlike anywhere else.
Dig at Ohio State University
Alford shared insights on what makes the Michigan football program stand out in recruiting and team culture.
He said the program is truly different.
“This place is amazing. It’s different,” Alford said. “Everyone says their school is different, but young men and their families need to come here to really experience it.”
Alford praised the people, staff, and especially head coach Sherrone Moore.
“Our head coach, damn sure, is different,” Alford said. “When young people sit with him, they walk out like, ‘Yeah, that guy’s a real one.’”
Alford emphasized the absence of pretentiousness and cliques in the program.
“This place is just different,” Alford said. “Our players speak volumes about the program. They’re the best recruiters we have, not the coaches.”
Alford highlighted the strong community support and culture surrounding the team.
“This culture has been unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been,” Alford said. “It’s just a different place.”
When asked about the rivalry with Ohio State, Alford joked, “You wanted me to say something really bad about that other place? I’ll say, ‘Yeah, we’re better.’”
Alford also praised Moore’s genuine approach.
“He truly loves every single player in that locker room,” Alford said. “The way he treats our players and how they react to him—it’s genuine. Players, parents, recruits, and coaches all see that and appreciate it.”
Signing big-time recruits
Alford also shared how the entire staff rallies behind big recruiting wins and the culture that drives their success.
He said that recruiting victories are never the work of just one coach, but rather a collective effort.
“There’s a multitude of people that have worked with that,” Alford said.
Alford highlighted the alignment across nutrition, strength, training, coaching, and recruiting staff.
“We’re all aligned in what we’re saying to these young people that come here, and you can’t fake that,” Alford said.
This unified approach, he believes, is crucial to attracting top recruits.
“When we get a big-time recruit to say they’re coming here and eventually get them here, that’s a win for everybody because a lot of people were involved.”
Alford credited the culture to Moore’s leadership.
“It starts with the head coach and the culture that he’s building,” Alford said.
When asked about his favorite type of cigar, Alford joked, “Any cigar is my favorite.”
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Bryce Underwood
When asked about Bryce Underwood’s impact on the run game, Alford said having a quarterback who can run and extend plays forces defenses to account for him, which benefits the run game.
“No play’s ever over, so that helps the run game,” Alford said. “ You got to equate numbers in the run game when you all of a sudden put a quarterback like him with the ball in his hand.”
Offensive line
Alford expressed confidence in the offensive line’s improvement, highlighting leadership from players like Greg Crippen and the addition of Brady Norton.
He also spoke about the importance of a selfless culture in managing touches among running backs, noting that players focus on helping the team win rather than individual stats.
Fullback and running back departure
Alford described Max Bredeson as a rugged, tough fullback and a great leader loved by players and coaches alike.
Finally, Alford addressed questions about depth, rotation, and the departure of CJ Hester, wishing him well in his future endeavors.