Coming into the 2015 college football season, the talk has surrounded guys like Jeremy Johnson of Auburn, Nick Chubb of Georgia and Ezekiel Elliott of Ohio State. Derrick Henry has been in that conversation but it almost seemed like people were sleeping on him. If there were any questions about Henry, they were answered on Saturday night against Wisconsin.
Henry was simply outstanding, showcasing what he can do in his 6’3″, 240 pound frame and getting the bulk of the carries. He carried the ball 13 times for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns, setting career highs for yards and touchdowns. He showed his big play ability by breaking off runs of 56 and 37 yards for scores, and averaging 11.3 yards per carry in the big showing.
He was running with the perfect mix of anger and finesse on Saturday. No man at 6’3″, 240 pounds should be able to move the way he does. He was just bigger, faster, and stronger than Wisconsin’s defense and there was no stopping him with the rock in his hands. He also displayed his great vision and the potential of the offensive line as he seemed to always find the right hole or create his own one every run, and showing that he will be the guy this year for Alabama, and nobody will stop him.
His next opponent will be Middle Tennessee, but the true test will come the week after against Ole Miss, as he prepares to face the landshark defense of the Rebels, but if he runs the way he did against the Badgers, expect an even bigger performance from Henry, only amping up his Heisman campaign in 2015.
Justin Wagner is the Scouting Coordinator and Lead Recruiting Analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Follow him on Twitter, at @jwag718
