Top 10 Reasons 5-Star RB Derrick Henry Will Commit to Alabama

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Derrick Henry is one of the best running backs and overall prospects in the class of 2013. He is one of the bigger running backs in the country at 6'3" and 245 pounds. Henry is from Florida and has rushed for over 2,000 yards in each season since he's played high school football.

As a junior, Henry gave a verbal commitment to Georgia, and many thought that was the end of his recruitment. Since then much has changed, as Henry has opened himself up to include Alabama and Tennessee as his final choices.

Georgia is still in the mix, but the Crimson Tide are the certified favorites these days as we approach Henry's scheduled decision date on September 27th. Keep on reading as we look at the top 10 reasons Henry will likely choose to play in Tuscaloosa.

10. Trent Richardson's Recent Legend

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Richardson was just downright amazing at Alabama, and years from now, he will be looked at as a legend. Recruits watch a lot of games, and star players do appeal to them.

Earlier this year, Henry commented to Scout.com about Richardson, acknowledging that there is some thought he could follow the same path.

This may not be a prime reason, but it is in the back of Henry's mind. 

9. Great History in the Trenches

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Alabama has the clear cut No. 1 offensive line in the country right now. The Crimson Tide boast five guys that will surely be playing on Sundays at some point in their careers.

It hasn't just been this year that Alabama has had great offensive line play. The Crimson Tide have always found a great combination of five blockers that can consistently open up holes.

With Henry as a running back he knows he needs good blocking to help him. It just so happens Alabama has a history of providing that. 

8. Mark Ingram's Heisman

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Henry has taken several trips to Tuscaloosa this year, and one would have to imagine that the Heisman Mark Ingram won in 2009 has been shown to him.

Seeing the Heisman in person is a marvelous experience, especially if you are an aspiring 17-year old high school running back. Henry is a competitive and ambitious guy; certainly, he feels he has the skills to win a Heisman, too.

Just like Ingram did in Alabama. 

7. Passionate Fan Base

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The fans that root for the Crimson Tide are some of the most passionate and supportive people you'll find in sports. They love their Crimson Tide and follow the team's moves 365 days a year.

With so much support and enthusiasm the program has, that is certainly a plus for Henry. Why would you go somewhere where the fans only care if the team is winning and barely show up to games?

It's basically the opposite in Tuscaloosa. 

6. Excellent Talent Around Him

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Alabama lands top five recruiting classes in their sleep and have many players who will play in the NFL not even starting. A recruiting juggernaut, 'Bama is loaded with talent at every position.

Great players want to play with other great players. Henry is a great player, and Alabama has a roster full of them already there. He knows the Crimson Tide ooze talent, and joining that would be a smart choice.

5. Chance to Win Championships

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All players want to win titles, and Henry is no different. Alabama has won two BCS titles under Nick Saban and always are in the national championship hunt. 'Bama seems to be the preseason favorite for the SEC title every year, too.

With a roster full of young talent, Alabama is set up to win now and for years to come. If Henry wants to play for a consistent winner and national championship contender, Alabama is a good choice. 

4. Nick Saban

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Saban is known as a tough coach with a dry personality and someone who's always intense. In fact, some people probably even fear Saban.

Recruits say sometimes it is intimidating when he speaks to them initially. With all that said, it doesn't prevent Saban from landing top notch talent and winning a lot of football games.

Saban also has a reputation for preparing players for the NFL, which is a massive draw for him in recruiting. 

3. Relationship with Jeremy Pruitt and Burton Burns

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Crimson Tide secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt is the main recruiter for Henry. and he has built a great relationship with him. 

Henry told Scout.com that Henry is "smooth" and how he really likes that Alabama has a plan for each player in their program. Head coaches are the symbol of a program, but the assistants are key because they are charged with brokering relationships with recruits.

Scout.com reports Henry also is fond of Burton Burns, Alabama's running back coach. Having strong relationships with these two assistants is an allure for Henry. 

2. Alabama Is Getting the Last Visit Before Henry Makes His Decision

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Henry is set to announce his decision on September 27th and is scheduled to visit Tuscaloosa on September 22nd, according to Scout.com.

Any time that a school has the final visit in recruiting, it usually bodes well for their chances at landing the prospect. All Alabama has to do is steady the ship during Henry's visit. Shower him with the same love and then just wait a couple of days.

1. Business-Style Program

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Earlier this year, after visiting Alabama, Henry told Scout.com that the players at Alabama have said it's like a business. He remarked that is why he likes Alabama.

The overall mood of the program has been said to be more on the serious side, which enhances focus on executing tasks. This mood has won 'Bama two national titles and has landed several top five recruiting classes.

This has really caught the attention of Henry and could be the No. 1 of many reasons he chooses to commit to Alabama. 

 

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects and writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.