Written by Sherlenia Mitchell
New York City, NY -Derrick Henry becomes the 81st Heisman Memorial Trophy winner as the second Alabama player and running back at the PlayStation Theater in Times Square, New York City Saturday night.
Henry dominated the 2015 regular season with an astonishing 339 carries for 1,986 yards, ranking the junior from Yulee, Fla as the No. 1 running back in the country. Additionally, his 152.8 yards per game, 10 receptions for 97 yards and 23 touchdowns ties 1982 Heisman Winner, Herschel Walker’s SEC record for most rushing touchdowns as well as securing the SEC record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown in a single season cemented his coveted victory with 1,832 total ballot votes.
“I have to thank my linemen. It was a team effort, and I have to give all success to them. It’s all about the team, team, team,” Henry commented during the post-announcement press conference. “I just tried to help the team win every week and I’m very thankful to be here. This is a dream come true to be in the Heisman fraternity with these guys.”
Henry’s Heisman win adds to his many accolades including being named as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in addition to earning MVP honors in Alabama’s SEC Championship victory against Florida. In that game Henry became the first running back to rush for 100-plus yards in multiple SEC championship games.
“I set a goal to do the impossible. I had dreams, goals and aspirations to win this trophy one day. I knew I could do it but I never thought it would happen to me, but I have teammates, coaches and the support from my family. I just want to thank them for being there for me and getting me this far.”
Stanford sophomore running back Christian McCaffrey came in second place with 1,539 total ballot votes and winning the Far West region. In third, Deshaun Watson acquired 1,165 votes as the 3rd most points for a third place finisher in Heisman history.
Henry received 86% of the possible voting points and beat McCaffrey by a mere 293 total points to take the win over the cardinal running back receiving 76.75% of the total votes available.
Henry will take a little time to soak this moment in, but quickly change his focus to the pursuit of a National Championship. Henery and the Crimson Tide face Michigan State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final game on December 31st. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm EST on ESPN.
Henry dominated the 2015 regular season with an astonishing 339 carries for 1,986 yards, ranking the junior from Yulee, Fla as the No. 1 running back in the country. Additionally, his 152.8 yards per game, 10 receptions for 97 yards and 23 touchdowns ties 1982 Heisman Winner, Herschel Walker’s SEC record for most rushing touchdowns as well as securing the SEC record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown in a single season cemented his coveted victory with 1,832 total ballot votes.
“I have to thank my linemen. It was a team effort, and I have to give all success to them. It’s all about the team, team, team,” Henry commented during the post-announcement press conference. “I just tried to help the team win every week and I’m very thankful to be here. This is a dream come true to be in the Heisman fraternity with these guys.”
Henry’s Heisman win adds to his many accolades including being named as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in addition to earning MVP honors in Alabama’s SEC Championship victory against Florida. In that game Henry became the first running back to rush for 100-plus yards in multiple SEC championship games.
“I set a goal to do the impossible. I had dreams, goals and aspirations to win this trophy one day. I knew I could do it but I never thought it would happen to me, but I have teammates, coaches and the support from my family. I just want to thank them for being there for me and getting me this far.”
Stanford sophomore running back Christian McCaffrey came in second place with 1,539 total ballot votes and winning the Far West region. In third, Deshaun Watson acquired 1,165 votes as the 3rd most points for a third place finisher in Heisman history.
Henry received 86% of the possible voting points and beat McCaffrey by a mere 293 total points to take the win over the cardinal running back receiving 76.75% of the total votes available.
Henry will take a little time to soak this moment in, but quickly change his focus to the pursuit of a National Championship. Henery and the Crimson Tide face Michigan State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final game on December 31st. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm EST on ESPN.