Derrick Henry: 5-Star Recruit Decommits from Georgia, Reopens Recruitment

The Georgia Bulldogs have a long, storied history of attracting elite running back talent. They thought they had their prize for the 2013 class, but Derrick Henry, a 5-star running back recruit (per Scout.com) out of Yulee, Fla., has officially decommitted from Georgia and reopened his recruitment.

In an official statement from Henry himself, the 6'3", 240-pounder said he might have been "too quick" to make a final decision. The statement says a number of things (which you can see in full at Scout.com), but in short, it says he's still considering Georgia but wants to look at more schools before making a final decision:

"

I’m going to open up my recruitment and take some more visits, get as much information as I can, and then decide from there. I was probably a little too quick in making my initial decision and got caught up in the moment so I apologize for that.

I’m still considering Georgia and I have nothing but great things to say about their program, but I want to be honest with everyone in the fact that I am going to go over all my options and do what is best for me and my athletic and academic career.

"

The decommitment comes on the heels of a visit to reigning national champions Alabama, which is now considered one of the favorites to earn his pledge.

We know all too well how persuasive coach Nick Saban can be, and it should come as no surprise that Henry is back on the market. Many wondered if the Bulldogs would be able to hold him for the long haul, and now, at the very least, Georgia will be able to refocus and go after other players or change its approach with the Florida native.

Georgia landed 5-star running back Keith Marshall in the 2012 class, but it has no other running backs committed in the 2013 class.

Coach Mark Richt already has 19 players committed, the same number as the 2012 class, so it'll be interesting to see how he chooses to play things from here.

Alabama, meanwhile, already has two running back recruits committed in the 2013 class, Altee Tenpenny and Tyren Jones.

Henry holds offers from a number of schools, but Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee are the top three on his list.