Robinson, Henry to enter NFL draft
The University of Alabama is losing two of the biggest pieces from its national championship team.
Running back Derrick Henry and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson announced on Friday they would forgo their senior seasons to enter the 2016 NFL draft. Henry and Robinson made their decisions official at a press conference with head coach Nick Saban.
“These two young men here have done an outstanding job on and off the field in the way they’ve represented The University of Alabama,” Saban said. “They’ve been great teammates for the other players on the team. They’ve been really good leaders. They’ve set a good example. Both have done things exactly like we’d like in this program from a personal standpoint, an academic standpoint and obviously, they’ve had tremendous success on the football field individually along with contributing to team success, winning a national championship and two SEC titles over the three years they have been here.”
Henry, the school’s second ever Heisman Trophy winner, said he came to his final decision on Thursday night while speaking with his family. The NFL Draft Advisory Board projected him as a second round pick.
He leaves as Alabama’s all-time leading rusher, breaking Shaun Alexander’s record by running for 3,591 yards despite playing just three seasons. He set school and SEC records for carries (395), rushing yards (2,219) and rushing touchdowns (28) this season on his way to the Heisman and the national championship.
“It’s been an unbelievable experience the last three years, going to the University of Alabama,” Henry said. “It’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Henry and Robinson both thanked their families, teammates, coaches, and other UA staff members who helped them during their career and while they were making their decisions. Neither player has signed with an agent.
Robinson said he did not receive a grade from the NFL, but Saban spoke with NFL coaches, who told him he would likely be a mid-to-late first round pick. He and Saban also discussed what his future in the NFL might look like.
“It was good,” he said. “We really just talked about what I need to do from here on and for the rest of my football career and how I need to play.”
He finished the year with 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hurries. He also contributed on special teams, blocking an extra point against LSU, and on offense as a lead blocker in Alabama's jumbo package.
Robinson said he felt the decision was easy with the help of Saban and defensive line coach Bo Davis, who prepared him for the situation. Henry had to spend more time speaking with his family before he was ready to head to the NFL.
"I just feel like this is the right decision,” Henry said. “I've been very successful here and I feel like this is the way to go out with everything that has happened this year. I've been very blessed and fortunate with everything that's happened this year for me."
Outside linebackers Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams had previously announced they would return for their senior seasons. Junior safety Eddie Jackson also tweeted that he would return to Alabama for 2016 rather than enter the draft.
Other juniors, including tight end O.J. Howard and defensive end Jonathan Allen, have not yet announced their decisions. The deadline for underclassmen to declare their intentions for the 2016 NFL draft is Monday, January 18.
The 2016 NFL draft will be held from April 28-30 in Chicago.
Reach Ben Jones at ben@tidesports.com or 205-722-0196.