Heisman Watch 2015: Derrick Henry widens gap with Iron Bowl performance
By Gabe Encinas
Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) carries the ball past Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) and Kris Frost (17) in the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Season Stats: 295 carries, 1,797 yards, 22 touchdowns
Last Game vs. Auburn: 46 carries, 271 yards, 1 touchdown
It was pretty much the Derrick Henry show in this one, as Henry was the only one to receive a hand off for Alabama, and had more total yards than Auburn. The workload the Henry received is the usual for Henry, as he has an unusually high amount of carries for his total yards.
But that could speak volumes of his toughness and abilities, as teams know he is the driving force of the offense, and still can’t stop him. Similar to that of the Leonard Fournette effect. And as of now, he leads the nation in rushing yards, and is the only back with 20-plus touchdowns.
Derrick has scored in every game this season, and he is the engine that keeps this offense running. No player in the nation has had a bigger impact on their team than Derrick Henry. If Henry isn’t going, it’s hard to tell how productive Alabama’s offense will be. Sure, they have loads of five-star talent throughout their roster, but he might be the best back in recent Alabama history, which includes Mark Ingram, who won the Heisman Trophy back in 2009.
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Trying to pick between Henry and Watson, that’s splitting hairs, but as of now, I would give Henry the slight edge as the lead candidate.