Yulee, Derrick Henry facing bigger challenges

Yulee running back Derrick Henry has 575 people following him on Twitter.

Not bad for a junior in high school.

That's the kind of attention a phenom attracts, and Henry is certainly a phenom.

In his first two years of varsity football, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Henry has rushed for 5,210 yards and 61 touchdowns for the Hornets. He's already been labeled one of eight five-star prospects in the nation for the Class of 2013 by the recruiting website 247Sports.com.

Now, the Georgia commitment heads into his most challenging season. Yulee's nondistrict schedule is dramatically more difficult than it was in his first two varsity seasons. It includes a nationally televised game against Georgia powerhouse Buford on Sept. 9 and a date with First Coast on Oct. 14. For Henry to continue his astonishing production, he'll have to do it against some elite defenses.

"We'll be facing some tough competition, but I have confidence in my teammates and myself," said Henry, whose Twitter handle is @ShockaFlocka_2.

"With the way this team is working hard, I think we're ready to contend for a state title."

As Yulee's schedule has grown more challenging, Henry has as well for opponents through his work in the offseason. He participated in several camps, clocking a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical jump. He's also worked on other facets of his game, besides his overall athleticism.

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"I've really worked on getting a lower pad level when I run," Henry said. "I'm worked on my pass blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield."

Yulee coach Bobby Ramsay has seen the difference and believes Henry has made strides since last season.

"Colleges that run pro-style offense demand more from their backs than just running the ball," Ramsay said. "You have to block and catch, and those are the things Derrick has worked on. He sets a great example in the weight room and has gotten faster and bigger."

The Yulee defenders who go against Henry in practice can attest to how difficult he is to bring down.

"We're kind of used to it by now," Yulee senior safety Zack Camp said. "When he came in as a freshman, it was astounding that someone that big could do what he does. I know I'm going to talk about him one day, hopefully, with my grand kids. I'll tell them that I used to play against him in practice and we were great friends."

Henry is also making friends with the area's career rushing records. He stands 2,270 yards and 36 scores away from owning the record currently held by former Florida and Fletcher standout Ciatrick Fason.

"I try not to think about the records, but it is humbling," Henry said. "I've been very blessed that God has given me this ability. I also think about the linemen I've had that have helped me get all of those yards and touchdowns."

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