When discussing the greatest running back in Alabama Crimson Tide history, one name often stands out: Derrick Henry. Henry’s dominance on the field, his ability to break records, and his undeniable impact on the Alabama football program make him a natural candidate for the title of Alabama’s best running back. This essay will articulate Henry’s incredible performance, achievements, and legacy at Alabama, diving into his early years, career at Alabama, and his achievements both in college and the NFL.
Early Life and Recruitment
Derrick Henry was born on January 4, 1994, in Yulee, Florida, a small town just north of Jacksonville. From a young age, Henry exhibited extraordinary athletic ability, especially in football. He was a towering presence even in his high school years, standing at 6’3″ and weighing over 200 pounds as a teenager. Henry’s high school football career at Yulee High School was nothing short of legendary. As a senior, he rushed for an astounding 4,261 yards and 55 touchdowns, setting multiple state records in Florida and becoming the state’s all-time leading rusher.
Given his dominance at the high school level, it was no surprise that Henry received offers from every major college football program in the nation. However, it was Alabama head coach Nick Saban who ultimately won the recruitment battle. Henry committed to Alabama, joining one of the most storied football programs in college football history. He would go on to solidify his place as one of the greatest running backs in Alabama history.
College Career at Alabama
Derrick Henry’s journey at Alabama began in 2013 when he joined the team as a highly-touted freshman. He came to Tuscaloosa with the pressure of high expectations and the challenge of stepping into an offense already loaded with talent, including senior running back T.J. Yeldon. Despite the crowded backfield, Henry showcased his talent early in his career.
2013 Season: The Rookie Year
In his freshman year, Henry was part of a rotation in the backfield but still managed to make an impact. He rushed for 382 yards on 35 carries, averaging an impressive 10.9 yards per carry. He had a standout performance in Alabama’s victory over the University of Florida, where he rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown, showing glimpses of the dominant force he would become in the following seasons. While 2013 was not a year where he was the primary ball carrier, it laid the foundation for what was to come.
2014 Season: Breaking Out
The 2014 season marked a significant turning point in Henry’s career. With T.J. Yeldon now gone, Henry was poised to become Alabama’s feature back. That season, he took full advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 carries. Henry’s breakout performance came during a pivotal game against the LSU Tigers. In that contest, he ran for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns, helping Alabama secure a 20-13 victory over their archrivals.
Henry’s power, speed, and ability to break tackles became evident to the college football world. Although Alabama lost to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl, Henry’s growth as a player was undeniable. His performance in 2014 set the stage for his monster 2015 season, when he would take college football by storm.
2015 Season: A Historic Year
The 2015 season is when Derrick Henry truly cemented his place in Alabama and college football history. Henry was no longer just a promising talent—he was the centerpiece of Alabama’s offense, a true workhorse. He finished the season with a staggering 2,219 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a remarkable 5.9 yards per carry average. Henry’s 2,219 rushing yards set an SEC single-season record, breaking Herschel Walker’s previous record of 1,891 yards.
Henry’s performance throughout the season was nothing short of legendary. He ran for over 200 yards in three different games, including a 236-yard, 3-touchdown performance against the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game, a victory that propelled Alabama to the College Football Playoff (CFP). His ability to wear down defenses with his combination of size, speed, and endurance was a major factor in Alabama’s dominant season.
The highlight of Henry’s 2015 season came when he was awarded the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious individual honor in college football. His Heisman win was a testament to his incredible season and his ability to dominate every game he played. He became the second Alabama player to win the Heisman, following in the footsteps of Mark Ingram, who won the award in 2009.
2015 National Championship and Legacy
Alabama made it to the CFP National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers in 2015, but despite Henry’s efforts, Alabama lost a close game, 45-40. While the national championship was elusive, Henry’s legacy as one of the greatest running backs in college football history was solidified.
His combination of size (6’3″, 247 lbs) and speed (he ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash) was nearly unmatched. Henry’s ability to push through defenders, break tackles, and carry the ball 20 or more times a game made him a true force. By the time he left Alabama, he had become the all-time leading rusher in school history with 3,591 yards, surpassing legendary backs such as Shaun Alexander, Trent Richardson, and Mark Ingram.
Henry’s achievements were not limited to individual records. He was a key contributor to Alabama’s success under Nick Saban. Over his three seasons in Tuscaloosa, Henry helped Alabama win two SEC Championships and one College Football Playoff appearance, further solidifying Alabama’s dominance in college football.
Derrick Henry’s Achievements at Alabama
Derrick Henry’s college achievements are numerous and include:
Heisman Trophy Winner (2015) – Awarded to the nation’s best player.
SEC Player of the Year (2015) – Recognizing his outstanding season in the SEC.
SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2015) – Awarded for his dominance on offense.
Doak Walker Award (2015) – Given to the nation’s top running back.
Unanimous All-American (2015) – Recognized as one of the top players in college football.
SEC Championship MVP (2015) – After leading Alabama to an SEC title.
School Record Holder for Single-Season Rushing Yards (2,219) – A mark that still stands.
All-Time Leading Rusher at Alabama (3,591 yards) – Henry’s career rushing yards remain a record at the university.
College Football Playoff National Championship Appearance (2015) – A memorable season despite the loss.
Henry’s time at Alabama was marked by not only statistical achievements but also his impact on the culture and identity of the program. His toughness, leadership, and relentless work ethic became synonymous with the Alabama football brand.
Derrick Henry in the NFL
After declaring for the NFL Draft following the 2015 season, Derrick Henry was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (45th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. His success at Alabama quickly translated to the professional level. Henry spent his first few seasons in a rotation with fellow running back DeMarco Murray, but in 2019, he took over as the Titans’ primary back.
In 2019, Henry had a career-defining season in the NFL. He led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,540 and rushing touchdowns with 16. Henry’s 2019 playoff run was particularly remarkable, as he carried the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, rushing for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns in a shocking victory over the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens. His 202-yard performance in a playoff win over the New England Patriots is considered one of the greatest individual performances in NFL postseason history.
In 2020, Henry continued to dominate, becoming the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. His performance in the NFL cemented his legacy as one of the top running backs of his era.
Conclusion
Derrick Henry’s college career at Alabama was marked by unprecedented success, highlighted by his Heisman Trophy win and his status as the all-time leading rusher at Alabama. His combination of size, speed, and power made him a unique talent in college football, and his impact on the Alabama program is undeniable. Henry’s career achievements, both in college and the NFL, have solidified his place as one of the greatest running backs in football history.
Henry’s legacy at Alabama is characterized not just by his individual records, but also by his contributions to the team’s success. His performances in key games and his role in helping Alabama win multiple SEC titles are a testament to his greatness as a player. As of now, Derrick Henry remains one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL, continuing to build on the legacy he began at Alabama.
In the grand history of Alabama football, Derrick Henry stands as one of the program’s all-time greats, not just because of his statistics but also because of his ability to take over games, inspire his teammates, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Alabama football players.