Running back Derrick Henry is eyeing one final collegiate honor before he turns pro.
The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner was named one of seven finalists for the AAU James E. Sullivan Award, according to the Amateur Athletic Union on Wednesday.
Henry posted a remarkable season in 2015, leading the nation in rushing with 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries.
He became the first back in the Southeastern Conference history to record 2,000 yards in a season. The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder averaged 147.9 yards per game, en route to a national championship victory over Clemson. Henry is projected to be taken between the first and second round of the NFL Draft.
The AAU Sullivan Award has been presented annually to the nation’s best amateur athlete since 1930. Previous winner include Peyton Manning (1997), Tim Tebow (2007) and Michael Phelps (2007). Ezekiel Elliott, former Ohio State running back, was latest to win the award in 2014.
Joining Henry as nominees are Simone Biles (Olympic Gymnast), Brittany Bowe (Olympic Speed Skating), Jordan Burrough (Olympic Wrestling), Mikaela Foecke (Volleyball, Nebraska), Kennan Reynolds (Quarterback, Navy) and Breanna Stewart (Basketball, Connecticut Huskies).
Voting for the 86th Sullivan Award will end on Wednesday, March 21. The winner will be recognized at New York’s Athletic Club in Pelham, N.Y. on April 10.
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.
