Auburn Football: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings
Nov 29, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (27) carries the ball past Auburn Tigers defensive back Joe Turner (35) and Derrick Moncrief (24) in the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia has a stable of running backs, but Alabama has a more talented backfield. Derrick Henry is a 6-foot-3, 241-pound monster that led the Crimson Tide with 990 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2014, including three games with over 100 yards, two with 90-plus, and a streak of five straight games with a touchdown to end the season.
Henry doesn’t catch the ball out of the backfield too often, but when he does he’s extremely dangerous. He had five catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns last season (26.6 yards per catch) after catching just one 61-yard touchdown pass as a freshman in 2013.
With T.J. Yeldon off to the NFL, expect Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to unleash Henry on opponents in 2015. With enough carries, he’ll be a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Kenyan Drake should be ready to go following a severe leg injury last season that cost him the last nine games. Drake had 112 rushing yards and four touchdowns last year and caught five passes for 159 yards (31.8 per catch) and two scores. Freshman Bo Scarbrough is the most likely third-string running back, and he’s another five-star talent with huge ability. Damien Harries may see some playing time as well.
Next: 1. Arkansas