It’s a huge blow for the Memphis Tigers ahead of the Birmingham Bowl. In a startling announcement Wednesday, Tigers running back Darrell Henderson said he’s going pro and will not be playing in the upcoming bowl game.
Less than an hour after being named the Tigers first unanimous football All-American in team history, Henderson announced he will forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
Local 24 sports director Doc Holliday reports Henderson has already signed with an agent, and therefore will not play in the Birmingham Bowl on December 22nd.
The fact of the matter is, there’s just no replacing a Henderson. NFL draft boards have Henderson as high as third at his position. He led the nation in touchdowns and all-purpose yards this season. His 3,545 rushing yards rank second all-time in Memphis, only to DeAngelo Williams.
Yes, a depth chart that includes Patrick Taylor and Tony Pollard definitely softens the blow. But it doesn’t make it any easier on Tigers coach Mike Norvell, who in 72 hours lost not only his star running back, but both of his coordinators.
The Tigers have played without Henderson before over the last two seasons; last year’s AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and the majority of the blowout loss to Mizzou.
“I mean you got to prepare, I mean you never know what’s going to happen. I mean, you look back at the multiple other times this year that Darrell was not available in games,” says Norvell. “And I think those guys have done a good job of being ready, and you look at the production that we’ve been able to have from that spot, regardless of who’s back there, you know, playing running back. You know, I’ve got a lot of confidence.”
