RB Darrell Henderson, Memphis*

5’8” – 208 lbs. – 4.49
Rotated into the offense with 87-482-5 as a freshman, adding 20-237-3 receiving. Saw his role escalate the following year, going 130-1,154-9 on the ground and 24-226-2 through the air, then had a monstrous senior season of 214-1,909-22 rushing and 19-295-3 receiving despite not playing in the bowl game. Comes from an offense which moved him around, but in which he was typically taking handoffs from next to the quarterback in the shotgun, sometimes in two-back sets; would also run power out of the wildcat. A somewhat undersized back, but one who’s proven that he can handle heavy workloads at the college level. A pretty explosive runner who was always a threat to break big runs at the college level; got to run through some big holes and was virtually unstoppable in the open field. Able to fit through small creases, with impressive burst in the hole and the top-end speed to hit home runs; can be a little bit of a feast-or-famine player who gets tripped up within a few yards of the line on many attempts but can break the big run to make up for it. Was asked to carry the ball on a lot of sweeps, demonstrating the speed to get to the edge; also works in a nice stiff-arm when moving horizontally. Makes sharp cuts to get upfield when he finds a lane. Takes a lot of carries up the middle, but isn’t one of the most powerful runners; can be brought down with arm tackles before he gets going, although he makes a good effort to get low and deliver some punishment. Overall leg drive is just average, but falls forward when he has a head of steam; doesn’t have a lot of bulk in the lower body. Secures the ball with good fundamentals (high and tight). Not much of a factor as a blocker; doesn’t show a high level of interest in getting physical with opposing pass-rushers. Instead, tends to try and slide to get in the way without initiating contact. Really struggles to absorb power, getting driven back like a blocking sled by bull-rushers. As a receiver, makes some delayed releases out of the backfield, runs swings/bananas, and also takes some snaps split out as a receiver, often making himself available for screens. Was a very dangerous running back at the college level, but lack of size/bulk and poor blocking may relegate him to being more of a change-of-pace back at the next level.