Derrick Henry, Running Back, Alabama
Overview:
As a freshman, Derrick Henry found himself behind a couple of other Alabama running backs. Even though he got just 36 carries, Henry still managed to stand out. He rushed for 382 yards and three scores, which was an average of 10.6 yards per carry. In 2014, Henry was splitting carries with T.J. Yeldon. Despite getting fewer carries than Yeldon, Henry was the team’s top rusher with 990 yards. With the addition of two receiving touchdowns, Henry accounted for 13 scores on the season. With Yeldon off in the NFL, Henry will be Alabama’s featured back in 2015, although others will have something to say about that. But it should result in a huge season for Henry and plenty of attention from the NFL.
Final Projection:
Henry really has it all. At 6-3 and 242 pounds, he has the size and strength to run right through a defense. But he can run past them too. His speed is deceptive since he looks like a power back. He reportedly runs a 4.50 forty and that is fast for anybody his size. If Henry stays healthy and keeps up his current pace, he should be one of the top two or three running backs whether he enters the 2016 NFL Draft or the 2017 NFL Draft.
