Position Breakdown: Henry, Drake headline RBs

During spring practice depth at the running back position became an issue. In the second installment of an eight-part series counting down to the beginning of fall camp for the University of Alabama football program, The Tuscaloosa News examines the running backs. Derrick Henry is looking forward to carrying the load, but Kenyan Drake is a multi-talented back that can do it all.

The experienced

Henry led the team in rushing during his sophomore season, finishing the year with nearly 1,000 yards (990 yards). His role was the second half hammer when T.J. Yeldon wore the defense down during the first half. It's now Henry's turn to carry the load, and he has a strong run blocking offensive line in front of him. Drake returns from a broken leg, and no one is more excited about that fact than offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Drake is dangerous in the open field and will be used in the passing game as well.

The others

True freshmen Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris could be counted on as depth became an issue when Altee Tenpenny left the program following the 2014 season and Tyren Jones was dismissed during the spring. Scarbrough suffered a major knee injury during spring practice, but his rehabilitation is going well and he might see action this season. Ronnie Clark has played at safety and at running back and can bolster the position group depth if needed. Xavian Marks was also added to the program early this month.

Overview

There exists a great potential for the running game this season, but a variety of factors must come together to make it happen. First, the offensive line is adept at run blocking and has the potential to be a road grading unit. That's good news to Henry/Drake and Co. The unit also must avoid injury that could deplete the depth. Drake has the ability to create mismatches all over the field, and it's possible that he'll share the field at the same time as Henry. That combination could be a nightmare scenario for opposing defensive coordinators.