Kenyan Drake: The Hidden Gem of the Running Back Class
Alabama has had it’s fair share of great running backs come through over the past eight seasons ranging from Mark Ingram to Derrick Henry. In between the great starting backs there is a litter of solid backups that seem to go forgotten.
Kenyan Drake will not be one of those.
In his time at Alabama he spent games spelling current Jaguars running back TJ Yeldon, and fellow draft prospect and Heisman winner, Derrick Henry in his four years in Tuscaloosa.
Drake’s time in Title Town was a roller coaster filled with very high ups and very low downs. In 2013 he broke out when he rushed for 694 yards and eight touchdowns in the last season with Doug Nussmeier. Then he saw his role expand to being split out as a receiver under Lane Kiffin where he scored an 87-yard touchdown on the first play against Florida.
His season was derailed in 2014 however, after a devastating ankle injury against Ole Miss. He was unable to play in another game that season.
He decided to forego the draft and come back for his senior year to play under the guidance of Saban and Kiffin one more time. Drake was used by Kiffin to tire out opposing defenses on pop passes to loosen them up for Derrick Henry to bowl through, and in the passing game where he excelled out of the backfield.
Drake was a key player in the Tide’s machine until on a kickoff against Mississippi State he suffered a fractured forearm. He would miss the final two games of the regular season, including his final Iron Bowl. He played sparingly against Florida in the SEC Championship (seven touches), and was used more as a decoy.
After having nearly a month to heal he returned to his full workload against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl where he tallied 65 total yards. Then came his defining performance, the College Football Playoff Championship game against Clemson.
He tallied 218 all purpose yards, and then had the game sealing 95-yard kick return for a touchdown. The defining moment in a career plagued by injuries and bad breaks, Drake’s career ended with a massive bang.
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Ex-NFL general manager, Phil Steele, invited him to participate in the Senior Bowlt. He impressed scouts with his elite speed, and his ability to catch out of the backfield. He went on to carry the ball seven times for 24 yards and a touchdown for the South en route to a 27-10 victory. His efforts there gave him another opportunity, an invite to the NFL Combine.
Drake posted eye opening numbers at the combine, including the best time for a running back in the 40-yd dash with a 4.45 second time. He also posted the best numbers for a running back in the broad jump (123″) and the 20-yd shuttle (4.21 seconds). His stock went way up after his impressive performances at both the combine, and Senior Bowl, and some scouts ave come put and said they wouldn’t be surprised if he was drafted in the first round above his Heisman winning teammate, Derrick Henry.
With nearly two weeks to go, Drake’s stock continues to soar. His elite speed, and pass catching abilities make him an interesting target for a team in need of a third down back. A team in need of a slashing back, with good pass catching abilities, and great special teams abilities needs to look no further. Drake may have been forgotten behind two great Alabama running backs, but he will soon be making a name for himself with an NFL franchise.