The Alabama Crimson Tide won the College Football Playoff National Championship last week, knocking off Clemson 45-40. Alabama running back Derrick Henry ran for 158 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the NFL draft.
Henry has suited up for Alabama the last three years, two of them as the backup running back. In 2013 he rushed for only 382 yards and 3 touchdowns. He added 61 receiving yards. 2014 Henry had more playing time, rushing for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns. This past season, Henry was the number one running back on the roster. He had an impressive year, rushing for 2,219 yards and an outstanding 5.6 yards per rush with 28 touchdowns. In the open field he caught 11 passes for 91 yards. Henry was voted the Heisman Trophy winner.
There was nothing left for Henry to prove in the college game. He won a National Title and the Heisman Trophy. Henry could have stayed one more year to see if he could repeat as the Heisman winner and a National Champion. For him it was the right move to go to the NFL draft.
There are plenty of teams that will be looking to draft him. Henry’s size at 6 foot, three inches and 242 pounds makes it difficult for him to be tackled on the first hit. His speed in the open field could make a two-yard gain into a five or six yard gain. He can also catch passes in the open field. Henry will be able to move the chains and score touchdowns. This will improve an NFL team’s backfield.
Henry has the opportunity to be a first round pick. The tape has shown what he can do. The NFL Combine and his Pro Day will demonstrate to NFL scouts what they could have in drafting Derek Henry.
What do you think of Derek Henry declaring for the draft?
Leave a Reply