Alabama running back Derrick Henry and Southeastern Conference legend Herschel Walker (Georgia) are now mentioned in the same breath. Let that sink in for a moment.
Walker set the single season mark in rushing yards for the conference in 1981 with 1,891 yards. His mark stood for 35 years, until a young Florida (Yulee) native broke it last week.
Henry posted 189 rushing yards and a touchdown on 44 carries in Alabama’s 29-15 victory over Florida in an SEC Championship Game. He entered the contest with 1,797 yards but emerged with 1,986, making him the latest conference record holder for rushing yards in a season.
Henry also extended his touchdown streak to 18 straight games, continuing his own mark.
The junior is now tied with former SEC players Tim Tebow and Tre Mason for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season (23). He has totaled nine 100-yard rushing performances and four 200-yard games this season. Henry looks to bring Alabama its second Heisman winner on Dec. 12, when the 81st coveted bronze trophy will be presented in New York City.
Sec Championship MVP Derrick Henry pic.twitter.com/leBpAcraJ1
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) December 6, 2015
Henry was named most valuable player for his efforts against Florida and has two SEC conference title rings. The College Football Playoff committee kept Alabama at No. 2 and have it facing No. 4-ranked Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl for a semifinal game on Dec. 31. Henry and the Crimson Tide will be in Dallas, Texas to battle Michigan State.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
