Henry visits UGA, names leader

Yulee (Fla.) running back Derrick Henry, a highly regarded prospect from the 2013 class, had the opportunity to travel to Athens, Georgia this past weekend to check out the University of Georgia. Needless to say, the Bulldogs got his attention.

"When I went up there I was blown away by everything I saw," Henry said. "I was overwhelmed by the things I learned. I got a chance to talk to a few of the coaches, especially Coach Mark Richt. I had them at number three, but after the visit I moved them up to number two just based on what I got to see and from talking to the coaches."

Henry said the visit to Georgia differed from past visits to other campuses.

"We went into the dorms, saw how the players live, and just learned a lot more than I had on any other Junior Day visit," Henry said. "We were supposed to see a practice but it was cancelled because of the rain. While I didn't get to see a practice, they did show more than other colleges have when I have visited them."

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound running back had an opportunity to speak at length with Mark Richt.

"I spoke with Coach Richt, me and my teammate, tight end Kelvin Rainey, both got a chance to sit and talk with him," Henry said. "He told me he wants me there. He said he wants players that are going to work hard and not taking anything off. He talked about what they do at the running back position. He also talked about himself and other players who have come through Georgia."

Richt wasn't the only member of Georgia's staff that made a positive impression upon him.

"This was really my first chance to get up there and talk to all of them," Henry said. "They were really cool. Once I got to meet them, I felt real comfortable with them. Especially Coach Richt and the running backs coach (Bryan McClendon)."

Henry said the primary reason the Bulldogs ascended to second on his list is their propensity to run the ball and have success doing so.

"Their history and the way they run the I-formation, that is what I run at my high school, is appealing," Henry said. "Their backs have success at Georgia and in the NFL."

As for his top school, that is currently an in-state team.

"I have Florida number one," Henry said. "Georgia is number two, Florida State is third, and then South Carolina and Alabama. I am hoping to visit South Carolina and Clemson to see what is up with them. I want to visit all these schools a few times to see what they are really about."

Henry explained what moved Florida to the top for his services in recent weeks.

"I have been a Florida fan and them going to a pro-style offense, that is even better," Henry said. "Then they added Charlie Weis and their new coaching staff is really good. I talked to all of them and liked them. I've talked to Coach Weis about the offense and he really likes me. I talked with Chris Rainey and he really likes the pro-style offense that they are going to."

At this time, Henry has no other concrete visit plans.