It took some time for him to develop, but Emmanuel Henderson is now ready to show college football what he's got.

Henderson was arguably the most explosive athlete and running back in the nation for the 2022 class. He arrived at the University of Alabama as a four-star from Geneva County High School in Hartford, Ala. Henderson excelled in football, basketball, and track and field, choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Clemson, and Georgia. He transitioned from running back to wide receiver under Nick Saban, seeing action in 21 career games.

Henderson has worked at receiver and on special teams, assisting the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship last season. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is more than capable of becoming an impact player, but has his moment finally come.

In an interview with JaMarcus Shephard, Alabama reporters got an opportunity to hear the Tide's wide receivers coach speak highly of Henderson on Tuesday after practice.

RELATED: Alabama 5-star freshman Caleb Odom continues smooth transition to wide receiver, per Nick Sheridan

Shephard believers the in-state product is in a place where people are ready to see him shine.

Alabama WRs Coach JaMarcus Shephard on why he’s impressed with Emmanuel Henderson this spring:

“That boy can run. The ability to drop his weight and get in and out of breaks has immensely improved. He has been everything I’ve wanted him to be.”@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/C8l8TDTN2P

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 27, 2024

"That boy can run, E-Man can run," Shephard said about Henderson. "His ability to drop his weight and get in and out of breaks has improved immensely. His football knowledge...he has truly become more and more of a guy that can be counted on to know and understand the why behind what we are doing. I have been really impressed with him so far. He has been everything I have wanted him to be."

Henderson can do a lot for Alabama.

He can get the ball in motion as running back, be a technician in his routes as a receiver, or provide explosive skills on special teams.

Henderson was in the position to be a punt returner last year before a hip injury happened in fall practice.

He will need to step up with Jalen Hale down with a knee injury. 

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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.