Two people to thank in Kenyan Drake’s return to Alabama football would be his surgeon and Drake’s work ethic. The native Georgian and senior running back didn’t miss a beat Saturday night against Wisconsin. He totaled 153 all-purpose yards and a score in the fourth quarter.
Alabama’s offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is considered a quarterback wizard; however, he also molds running backs and wide receivers. Kiffin got the opportunity to coach former Southern California running back Reggie Bush from 2003-05.
Bush was dynamic in space as a runner, pass catcher and return specialist. His hands, speed, vision and acceleration helped him total over 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2003 and 2005. Under Kiffin, Bush won the Walter Camp Award and Doak Walker Award in 2005.
Drake, like Bush, possess quickness, solid hands, vision and acceleration.
He made two plays that defined Alabama’s convincing 35-17 victory over the Badgers.
Drake caught a 33-yard screen pass from quarterback Jake Coker in the second quarter, setting up a 17-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Robert Foster.
His 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter had Wisconsin’s fans stunned and Alabama fans in utter amazement. Drake appeared to be bottled up for a loss on third down, but found a way to spin off contact and accelerate 43 yards to pay dirt. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry.
Derrick Henry is thunder, but Alabama will need lightning in order to keep defenses off balance. Head coach Nick Saban, offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and Crimson Tide nation is pleased to have its roadrunner back. Drake’s versatility is second to none.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
