Georgia Tech Football: PFF Ranks Jamal Haynes Among The Top Ten Running Backs For The 2025 Season

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the spotlight is often placed on the players who can change the course of a game. For Georgia Tech, Jamal Haynes has become a rising star, garnering attention from across the college football world. Recently, Pro Football Focus (PFF), a trusted resource for detailed football analysis and metrics, has ranked Haynes among the top ten running backs for the 2025 season. This recognition speaks to his immense talent and the significant role he’s expected to play in Georgia Tech’s future success.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Jamal Haynes has earned such a prestigious ranking, examine his skill set and growth as a running back, and explore what Georgia Tech fans can expect from him in the coming seasons. From his past performances to his projected future in college football, Haynes’ rise in the rankings is a story of hard work, determination, and exceptional talent that has captured the attention of scouts, coaches, and analysts alike.

Jamal Haynes: A Quick Overview of His Career So Far

Before diving into the specifics of why Jamal Haynes is ranked among the top ten running backs for 2025, it’s important to understand his journey so far. Jamal Haynes was a highly touted recruit for Georgia Tech, coming out of Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. His athleticism, vision, and ability to break tackles quickly made him one of the most sought-after running backs in his class. Haynes signed with Georgia Tech as part of the Yellow Jackets’ 2022 recruiting class, and from the moment he stepped onto the field, his natural talent was evident.

During his freshman season at Georgia Tech, Haynes showed flashes of brilliance despite the team’s challenges. He proved to be a dynamic presence in the backfield, often being relied upon to make explosive plays and move the chains for his offense. By the end of the season, he had already cemented himself as one of the team’s top contributors, even though the Yellow Jackets faced a competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) slate.

In the 2023 season, Haynes took a significant step forward. His production as both a ball carrier and a pass catcher improved, and he became a central figure in the offensive game plan. Not only did he become one of the most dynamic running backs in the ACC, but his consistency, explosiveness, and ability to find open lanes made him a headache for opposing defenses.

As of the 2024 season, Haynes’ recognition has only grown, and with PFF’s ranking of him among the top ten running backs for 2025, his trajectory seems poised for even greater success.

PFF’s Ranking of Jamal Haynes: A Look at the Metrics

PFF is known for its in-depth analysis of college football, providing data-driven evaluations of players based on their on-field performance. The rankings consider a variety of metrics, including rushing yards, yards after contact, broken tackles, and receiving ability, among other factors. PFF evaluates players with an emphasis on both traditional stats and advanced metrics like elusiveness, efficiency, and overall impact in the game.

For Jamal Haynes, several key attributes make him stand out:

1. Rushing Efficiency

One of the most impressive aspects of Haynes’ game is his efficiency as a ball carrier. In both 2023 and 2024, he has averaged impressive yards per carry (YPC) that places him among the top running backs in the nation. Whether running between the tackles or bouncing outside, Haynes has shown the ability to consistently pick up positive yardage, turning even modest gains into significant chunks of yardage.

His ability to break tackles and create yards after contact is a vital part of his game. Haynes’ vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage allow him to read the defense and make the right cut at the right time. His impressive yards after contact is a key factor in his continued success and why PFF has ranked him so highly.

2. Vision and Patience

A running back’s vision can often make the difference between a two-yard gain and a 20-yard breakaway. Haynes has a natural feel for reading blocks and finding the correct running lanes, even when the defense is playing with great physicality. This vision is paired with excellent patience, allowing him to wait for the play to develop rather than rushing through an opening.

He’s capable of keeping his eyes downfield and adjusting his path based on the defense’s movements. When combined with his ability to accelerate once he sees a gap, his vision becomes one of his most effective tools.

3. Dual Threat Ability (Rushing and Receiving)

The modern running back is often required to be a threat in both the rushing and receiving games, and Haynes excels in this area. He is not just a traditional back who pounds the ball between the tackles. He is also a significant receiving threat out of the backfield, which opens up more possibilities for Georgia Tech’s offense.

In 2023 and 2024, Haynes was often used in passing situations, and his ability to run clean routes and catch passes out of the backfield turned him into a dual-threat weapon. His receiving yards are a testament to his versatility and an important aspect of his skill set that PFF took into account when ranking him.

4. Ability to Break Big Plays

Haynes is a player who can turn a routine run into a game-changing play. His breakaway speed and acceleration after initial contact allow him to cover significant yardage in a short amount of time. Whether he’s running outside or cutting through the middle of the defense, Haynes has the ability to break free for long runs, which increases his value to Georgia Tech.

His longest runs and the threat of explosive plays are always present when he is on the field, making him a constant threat to score whenever he touches the ball.

5. Durability and Consistency

One of the hallmarks of a top-tier running back is their ability to maintain high-level play throughout the entire season. Haynes has proven that he is not only capable of carrying a heavy workload but that he can do so consistently over multiple games. His ability to stay healthy, maintain his level of play, and deliver when called upon has solidified his status as one of the top running backs in college football.

What to Expect from Haynes in 2025

With Jamal Haynes ranked among the top ten running backs for the 2025 season, there are a few key expectations surrounding his game that fans and analysts alike are excited to see play out. Here’s what we can expect from him in the near future:

1. Expanded Role in Georgia Tech’s Offense

As the 2025 season approaches, Haynes will likely continue to be one of the focal points of Georgia Tech’s offensive game plan. With the continued development of his skills and further mastery of the offense, his role is expected to expand, particularly in the passing game. Expect to see Haynes used in a variety of ways, including as a featured back on first and second downs, in third-down situations as a pass-catcher, and even in the red zone to take advantage of his ability to score from anywhere on the field.

2. Leadership and Mentorship

As a key player on the team, Haynes will also be called upon to provide leadership to the younger members of the Georgia Tech football team. His experience, both in terms of playmaking and dealing with adversity, makes him an ideal candidate to lead the offensive unit into the next phase of the program’s development.

His leadership, both on and off the field, will be critical as Georgia Tech looks to build on its 2024 season and contend for higher honors in the ACC. With a strong offensive line and a dynamic quarterback, Haynes could be the piece that propels Georgia Tech’s offense to new heights.

3. Continued Improvement as a Complete Back

While Haynes has already established himself as one of the top running backs in college football, he still has room to grow, particularly in his blocking and overall play recognition. As a complete back, Haynes will continue to improve his ability to pick up blitzes and help his quarterback in pass protection. His development in this area will only make him more valuable to the team and elevate his draft stock should he choose to declare for the NFL Draft after the 2025 season.

4. Draft Implications and NFL Prospects

With his exceptional performance in college, Haynes’ ranking among the top ten running backs for 2025 has already sparked conversation about his future in the NFL. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could very well declare for the draft following the 2025 season. The NFL values versatile running backs who can contribute as both ball carriers and pass catchers, and Haynes’ skill set aligns perfectly with that modern expectation.

Should he declare, his stock could rise significantly, and he may be selected in the early rounds of the NFL Draft, further solidifying Georgia Tech’s reputation as a place that produces elite talent.