Henrys mission: getting better

One would think Derrick Henry would be somewhat content with his play given what he accomplished during his freshman and sophomore seasons at Yulee (Fla.).

But that isn't the case.

Despite the fact he already has rushed for more than 5,000 yards, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound sophomore tailback said he arrived in Jacksonville last weekend for the 2011 Team Pro Impact 7-on-7 squad tryouts with one primary objective - to get better.

"It can help," Henry said of the 7-on-7 leagues, "Especially with my receiving routes. And that's what I need to work on. Right now, out of a 10, I'd say I'm a seven."

Henry already has verbal offers from several top programs. He listed a top five of Alabama, Florida, Florida State (the first school to offer), Georgia and South Carolina, with one team ahead of the pack at the moment.

"My leader would probably be Florida State," Henry said. "That's the one that's showing me a lot of interest and I've been out there a lot. But I'm also a Gator fan, so I hope Florida comes out some more. I also like Alabama. At first [being recruited was exciting]. But now I'm sort of used to it. Hard work pays off. Once they started coming, I used that as motivation to keep working hard. I've always dreamed of this chance and it's finally happening. I'm just taking it all in."

What is Henry looking for in a college program?

"Somebody that has a team atmosphere, is a family and is a good place academically," Henry said.

This spring, Henry will attend a Nike Camp in Miami. Although his summer plans aren't finalized, he hopes to compete at Dawg Night at Georgia.

"I went to Friday Night Lights last year," Henry said. "So now I want to go to Georgia because they're in my top five."

As a freshman, Henry rushed for 2,488 yards while helping his team go 7-4. Last fall, he carried 303 times for 2,689 yards and 38 touchdowns as the Hornets went 9-3. According to various news reports, he lost only one fumble the entire 2010 season.

According to Henry, he also did well on defense.

"Sometimes when they need me, when we're playing a good team or good competition, they'll put me in at defensive end," Henry said. "I do good. I mean, every time I got in I got a key sack in the game or something like that."

Because of his frame, playing defensive end in college certainly might be an option. But Henry isn't interested.

"People always say that," Henry said. "But I don't want to play defensive end; I want to play running back."