It was three springs ago when Kenyan Drake entered the National Football League.
In balancing football with adulthood, Drake recorded three touchdowns as a rookie in 2016 – including a 97-yard kickoff return for a score in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills. His efforts led to a 34-31 win for Miami, helping the team get a 10-6 record and earn a spot in the playoffs.
After an injury to Damien Williams and Jay Ajayi getting traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Drake was forced to emerge as the Dolphins’ No. 1 running back last season. The former University of Alabama star and third-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft handled the situation with urgency, as he totaled 644 yards rushing with three scores on 133 carries in 16 games.
Drake collected two 100-yard games versus Denver and New England, while posting 32 receptions for 239 yards and a touchdown. Despite a 6-10 finish to 2017, the native Georgian returns as the most tenured back for the Dolphins and one of its more explosive players offensively.
According to a video from Dolphins Daily, Drake spoke to reporters on Wednesday concerning his mindset for the franchise moving forward at organized team activities.
As he enters his third year in the league, RB @KDx32 knows that his role in the locker room is evolving into a leadership role.
Hear what he had to say on #DolphinsDaily. pic.twitter.com/zATZLgMzc7
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 31, 2018
“This year is a different team and a different scenario,” Drake said. “Just a year to two years ago, I came in as a fresh face. It’s funny how time flies, but I’m definitely embracing this role and just trying to help this team win more games.”
Since suffering a horrendous leg injury at Alabama in 2014, maturity has played a huge role in Drake’s development as a player and overall person. The 24-year-old speaks with more clarity and fully understands how he wants to market not only his career, but in also getting the Dolphins to a deep playoff run and possibly the opportunity at a Super Bowl championship.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
