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College Football Biography

Derrick Henry

“King Henry”

American flag American · Yulee, Florida · Born 4 January 1994

Running Back

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American college football running back who won the 2015 Heisman Trophy at Alabama and set numerous rushing records before entering the NFL.

Born in Yulee, Florida in 1994, Derrick Lamar Henry Jr. emerged from a small town near Jacksonville to become one of college football's most dominant running backs. Standing 6'3" and weighing 247 pounds with exceptional speed, Henry developed his imposing physical presence during his high school career at Yulee High School, where he rushed for over 4,000 yards as a senior while also playing safety on defense. Henry's career at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban spanned from 2013 to 2015, during which he evolved from a backup to the nation's premier running back. After serving behind T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry in his first two seasons, Henry exploded as a junior in 2015, rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. His breakout season included a 304-yard performance against Auburn and a 158-yard effort in the SEC Championship Game. Henry's dominant campaign helped Alabama capture the College Football Playoff National Championship and earned him the sport's most prestigious individual honor. Henry's 2015 season produced multiple accolades beyond the Heisman Trophy, including the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back, SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, and unanimous All-American recognition. He concluded his three-year Alabama career with 3,591 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive backs in program history. His combination of size, speed, and power created a unique prototype that redefined expectations for the position. The Tennessee Titans selected Henry 45th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, where his professional success validated his college dominance. His ability to maintain elite production while transitioning his physical gifts to the professional level demonstrated the exceptional foundation established during his Alabama years. Henry's college career represents a defining example of how physical tools, when properly developed, can elevate a player to historic levels of achievement in both college and professional football.

Famous For

Becoming the second Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy

Playing Style

How They Played

Power running back known for exceptional size, speed combination and ability to break tackles

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of the most dominant college football running backs of the 2010s who helped establish Alabama's modern dynasty

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Heisman Trophy (2015)
  • National Championship (2015)
  • Doak Walker Award
  • SEC Player of Year
Club Career
Club Period Apps
Alabama Crimson Tide2013–201540
Career Journey

Timeline

2013 🎯 Debuts for Alabama Crimson Tide
2014 🏆 Wins SEC Championship with Alabama
2015 🥇 Wins Heisman Trophy
2015 🏆 Wins College Football National Championship
2015 ⚡ Rushes for 2,219 yards in single season
2016 🎯 Declares for NFL Draft
2023 🎯 Signed with Tennessee Titans; 2000-yard season with Titans 2023 — first since 2000
2024 🎯 Signed with Baltimore Ravens; continued as elite NFL power back at age 30
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

4 common questions about Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry was born in 1994 in Yulee.

Derrick Henry is American.

Derrick Henry played for: Alabama Crimson Tide, Tennessee Titans.

Derrick Henry played as a Running Back.