Preseason excitement for Alabama's Derrick Henry

The once high school myth is now in considering for accolades in college football. Alabama’s junior running back Derrick Henry has been named to the Doak Walker Award watch list.

The Doak Walker Award is presented to the nation’s top running back.

Henry, 6-foot-3, 242 pounds, totaled 990 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry last season. He displayed solid hands as a receiver, catching five passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. He anticipates receiving a lion’s share of carries in 2015.

Former Alabama running back Trent Richardson was the last Crimson Tide player to win the Doak Walker Award (2011). He recorded 1,679 rushing yards with 21 touchdowns.

Henry, who’s also named to the Maxwell Award watch list, becomes the fourth Alabama player named to multiple preseason accolades, joining Reggie Ragland, Ryan Kelly and A’Shawn Robinson. The winner of the Doak Walker Award will be announced on Dec. 10, 2015.

Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

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Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.