Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
A couple of weeks ago, LSU running back Leonard Fournett was the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. The man was blazing hot, averaging almost 2oo yards per game through the first seven games. Then it all came to a screeching halt against division rival Alabama, as he had only 31 yards on 19 carries against them.
And it was at that time that Alabama running back Derrick Henry ran his way into the Heisman conversation. In his first eight games, leading up to his matchup with Fournette and LSU, Henry averaged 149 yards per game. While his defense tightened the screws on Fournette, Henry showed the nation what he’s made of.
He had 38 bruising carries for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns, signifying that he had arrived. Then this Saturday, Henry would go on to further solidify his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. He had 22 carries for 210 yards, including touchdown runs of 76 and 65 yards to show his blazing speed for a man over 240 pounds.
Henry has back-to-back 200-yard games in November, the month that Heisman Trophies are won. So he now has a leg up on Fournette and the rest of the field as his team is in position for make the playoffs. He has also run past Elliott as the first running back off the board in the 2016 NFL Draft in May.
Roll Tide and roll Henry!