Derrick Henry (2) is headed to the NFL. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry of Alabama will enter the 2016 NFL Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, ESPN reported Thursday.
The standout running back rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns this season, capped by 158 yards and three touchdowns in the Crimson Tide’s 45-40 victory over Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night.
Henry is listed as the No. 2 running back by NFLDraftScout.com in the 2016 draft rankings behind Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott and the No. 37 prospect overall.
Also on Thursday, Alabama safety Eddie Jackson announced that he will return for his senior season in 2016.
—Colorado State record-setting receiver Rashard Higgins is bypassing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft.
Higgins completes his career as the Rams’ all-time leader in career receptions (239), receiving yardage (3,649) and receiving touchdowns (31).
Higgins enjoyed a huge sophomore season in 2014 when he caught 96 passes for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. His production dropped off last season with 66 receptions for 933 yards and eight scores.
—Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt was named chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Hocott follows Jeff Long, the Arkansas athletic director who stepped down as chairman on Wednesday after serving for two years. Long will remain on the committee next season.
Condoleeza Rice, one of the committee members and the former U.S. Secretary of State, addressed another playoff topic on Thursday while speaking at the NCAA convention in San Antonio, saying she believes the format is fine and shouldn’t be expanded to eight teams.
