He has become a star in his third year as a professional athlete.
NFL Draft analysts had doubts about Derrick Henry, upon him entering the National Football League.
Concerns about his size and would he be able to successfully transition flooded a lot of minds; however, the former University of Alabama standout answered all critics with huge production this season.
The 6-foot-3, 247-pound bruiser turned in his first 1,000-yard rushing season (1,059) and first 1,000-yard year from scrimmage (1,158) with the Tennessee Titans.
Fifty-nine percent of his yards came in the month of December, where Henry put the franchise on his back and carried to a shot at the playoffs. He recorded 625 rushing yards last month – including a pair of 100-yard games and one 200-yard (238) versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Offensive Players of the Month (December):
AFC: @Titans RB @KingHenry_2
NFC: @Seahawks RB @ccarson_32 pic.twitter.com/M3KsIrIFzs— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2019
RELATED: Derrick Henry to vanquish Colts for final spot in AFC playoffs
Despite falling short of making the postseason, Henry’s yardage and nine touchdowns earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week from the NFL.
News was released on Thursday as his 1,059 rushing yards are seventh in the league, while his 22 scores are tied for second.
Henry got the Titans to a 9-6 record, before falling to the Indianapolis Colts on last week.
With a solid defense in place and a running back establish, Tennessee should be in a better position to make the playoffs next season.
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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.
