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Three-Sport Standout Emmanuel Henderson Headed to Alabama

Coveted running back talent had SEC scholarship offers in football and basketball
John Garcia, Jr.|
Three-Sport Standout Emmanuel Henderson Headed to Alabama
Three-Sport Standout Emmanuel Henderson Headed to Alabama

Emmanuel Henderson keeps to himself but his college football recruitment could not be more opposite. The nation's top programs want to add him to their future roster.

The Hartford (Ala.) Geneva County three-sport star, most well-known for his prowess on the gridiron with the football in his hands, was among the most coveted offensive prospects at any position in the recruiting class of 2022. 

That was until Saturday afternoon when he went public with a verbal commitment to Nick Saban and Alabama. The decision came just over one year since the program initially extended an offer Henderson's way. 

"I'm proud to announce that I will be taking my talents and football career, playing at the University of Alabama," Henderson announced during a ceremony at the school. 

Most in the industry viewed the recruitment as an old-school Iron Bowl battle between rival Alabama and Auburn, but Clemson and Georgia each were factors in the end. Several programs in the SEC, including AU, UGA and Ole Miss, even extended Henderson a basketball scholarship in the days leading up to his commitment announcement. 

On the field, few offensive weapons have been as productive as the junior over the last two years. In 2019 and 2020, he combined for 52 rushing touchdowns. In basketball, he averaged double figures this year in helping the program to a deep playoff run. On the track, Henderson has found sprinting success, including an 11.40-second 100-meter dash PR in 2020. 

“He really reminds me of Darren McFadden,” Geneva County coach Jim Bob Striplin told Al.com. “He’s the same size. McFadden outweighs him a touch, but they have the same running style and skill set. Emmanuel may be more agile as far as pass catching goes. I can see him having really good college years ahead of him.”

As a junior, in just nine games, Henderson racked up 1,449 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging just under 10 yards per carry in the process.

Striplin told Rivals his star prospect has added 10 pounds since the 2020 season came to a close, now checking in at 6'1", 195 pounds or so. He also represents Alabama's fourth class of 2022 pledge since February 1. 

Henderson, who stands as Alabama's second in-state commitment to this point, will suit up in the Under Armour All-America Game in January to wrap up his prep football career. 

SI All-American Evaluation

Henderson is among the most dynamic offensive weapons in the class of 2022, making plays at running back, as a receiver and in the return game. There is a striking combination of size, speed and power at play from the Alabama native, who averaged about 10 yards per carry in 2020. 52 of his carries over the last two seasons have ended with an official hoisting both arms up after he broke the end zone plane. 

Production aside, the flashes the junior provides on tape are head-turning. He is comfortable approaching the line of scrimmage from depth or laterally, emphasizing well above-average vision along the way. There seems to be a desire to challenge the contain of a given defense and Henderson has that extra gear to gap the secondary if he breaks beyond the front seven. 

Even as a space runner more times than not, there isn't much wasted movement within Henderson's game. He is efficient with his steps and covers considerable ground with a decisive consistency that easily projects in between the tackles just the same. He is also equipped with great lower-body strength, thwarting arm tackles with relative ease in 2019 and 2020. Added weight, which is something his coach has suggested, will also help round out his power to speed ratio and create more reliability to play inside. 

Where the game projects to the next level best, in addition to the size and homerun ability, it's in the passing game. Henderson is already polished and productive making plays out of the backfield, where he caught 23 passes as a sophomore. Obviously great after the catch with surprising quickness, there is a lack of panic when the football is in the air and he can track the football while securing it away from his body. The track background and hip fluidity that comes with it, makes him that much tougher to stop in the open field. 

Henderson's prep coach likens him to Darren McFadden, but if we played the comparison game look no further than 2021 Alabama running back signee and SI99 member Camar Wheaton, who Henderson could potentially pair with down the line in Tuscaloosa. If that is to be the case, the Crimson Tide may have it's next combo to split carries and keep defenses honest like famous pairs of the past (Derrick Henry/Kenyan Drake, Eddie Lacy/T.J. Yeldon, Mark Ingram/Trent Richardson, etc.).

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John Garcia, Jr.
JOHN GARCIA, JR.

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