Derrick Henry’s High School Dominance: A Journey to Unstoppable Force at Alabama
Derrick Henry’s path to becoming one of college football’s most formidable running backs began long before he donned the Crimson Tide uniform. When he first arrived at Alabama, he faced a steep learning curve. Passing blocking was a foreign concept to him, a skill he had never been required to master during his high school career. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban, who has recounted this anecdote in various forms, it became clear that Henry’s unique talents were often harnessed in a different way. At Yulee High School, just outside Jacksonville, Florida, the young athlete was simply instructed to receive the ball and run. And run he did, in a manner that few high school athletes have ever matched.
A High School Phenomenon
Henry’s high school statistics are nothing short of legendary. He shattered records, including the national high school rushing record previously held by Ken Hall of Sugar Land, Texas, for an astounding 51 years. During his senior season, in a single game, Henry ran for 482 yards, surpassing Hall’s long-standing record of 11,232 rushing yards. The numbers tell a story of sheer dominance, one that continues to astonish those who discover them.
Here’s a comprehensive look at Derrick Henry’s high school career statistics, as compiled by MaxPreps:
Freshman Year
Carries: 313
Rushing Yards: 2,465
Rushing Yards per Game: 224.1
Yards per Rush: 7.88
Rushing Touchdowns: 26
Sophomore Year
Carries: 313
Rushing Yards: 2,788
Rushing Yards per Game: 232.3
Yards per Rush: 8.91
Rushing Touchdowns: 38
Junior Year
Carries: 309
Rushing Yards: 2,610
Rushing Yards per Game: 217.5
Yards per Rush: 8.45
Rushing Touchdowns: 34
Senior Year
Carries: 462
Rushing Yards: 4,261
Rushing Yards per Game: 327.8
Yards per Rush: 9.22
Rushing Touchdowns: 55
Career Totals
Carries: 1,397
Rushing Yards: 12,124
Rushing Yards per Game: 252.6
Yards per Rush: 8.7
Rushing Touchdowns: 153
In his senior season alone, Henry averaged an astonishing 327.8 rushing yards per game and scored 55 rushing touchdowns. Among those remarkable feats was a game in which he set a Florida high school record with 510 rushing yards.
Highlight Reel of Dominance
For those who wish to witness Henry’s high school prowess, a video compilation captures his remarkable journey on the field. From the moment he stepped onto the high school gridiron, Henry displayed a blend of physicality and speed that was simply unmatched. His outstanding performance earned him a scholarship to Alabama, a decision that came after an initial commitment to Georgia.
Despite his initial lack of experience in pass blocking, Saban evidently saw potential in Henry that far outweighed this setback. The transition from high school to collegiate football was seamless, and the success that followed was a testament to Henry’s raw talent and determination.
As Derrick Henry’s story continues to unfold, it’s clear that the foundation laid during his high school years has set the stage for an extraordinary football career. His journey from record-breaking high school star to an unstoppable force in college football exemplifies the impact of raw talent honed through dedication and hard work.
