Derrick Henry Missed Titans OTAs Because He Was Taking Classes at Alabama

Second-year Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry missed the start of his team's voluntary offseason work because he was attending classes at the University of Alabama.  

While the OTAs were voluntary, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com pointed out Henry "could have made the story smoother by simply calling his boss to let him know what was up."

The running back suggested as much Tuesday, per Kuharsky: "Yeah, I should've handled it different but I was just trying to focus on school and get my training right just so I was ready when I came back here," he said. "We settled the differences we all good and I'm happy to be back working with the guys, being here with the guys, and trying to be better everyday and that's what we've been doing."

The Alabama product said he only needs to take four more classes to earn his degree, and he plans to chip away at them during the summer, fall or spring. He also said "trying to get my degree is one thing I promised my family and my grandmamma before she passed," per Kuharsky.

On the field, Henry figures to split time with DeMarco Murray during the 2017 campaign. The 29-year-old Murray is coming off an impressive 2016 season during which he accrued 1,287 rushing yards, 377 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns, but the 22-year-old Henry averaged slightly more yards per carry (4.5 to 4.4) en route to 490 rushing yards as a rookie.

The Titans are looking to earn a playoff berth behind that duo and quarterback Marcus Mariota after finishing 9-7 in 2016, even if it means cutting into some of Henry's class time in the offseason.