The King Is Here: Alvin Henderson Rushes Into The Record Books

Written By: Jay Pace

Catch Him If You Can

Alvin Henderson isn't satisfied.

Alabama's newly minted rushing king secured his spot in the pantheon of the state's gridiron legends long ago. Henderson could've skipped his senior season at Elba (AL) High School and he would've gone down as one of the best backs the state has ever produced. Thanks in large part to a breakout junior year in which he rushed for more than 3,500 yards and led the nation with 68 total touchdowns.

While a seat at the table among the state’s all time greats is an honor, Alvin Henderson wants more. 

Forget a seat at the table, Alvin Henderson is on his way to being the King of the Castle.

After piling up 3,700 + yards and 71 TDs in his first two full varsity seasons, Henderson burst onto the national scene after nearly doubling those totals in a junior season that's arguably the finest single season in state history.

His name appears in the Alabama High School Athletic Association record book a total of 46 times. He owns state records for most points scored in a game (60) and a season (408), tied for most TDs in a season, most TDs in a game, most consecutive games with TD.

Already one of the most decorated running backs in the state's rich history, the legend of Alvin Henderson is secure.

In a 40-24 win over Florala two Fridays ago, Henderson added a little cement to that legacy, passing Alexandria's Mac Campbell as Alabama's all time leading rusher.

Coming into the game against Florala, he needed just 104 yards to eclipse Campbell, whose record had stood strong for 27 years.

Florala’s defense didn't make things easy, holding him to just 88 yards on 15 carries in the first half. That's almost six yards per carry. Most….okay, probably every coaching staff in America and just about every running back on any level  would take that kind of production all day long if given the choice. 

And be happy with it.

But, Alvin Henderson isn't just another running back. For a man averaging nearly 270 yards per game and almost 15 yards per carry, the numbers he carried into the locker room with his team down by 6 just wasn't acceptable.

He made up for it in the second half. 

Despite it's best efforts, Florala's defense was only going to do so much. Eventually, you knew he was going to break one or….two or….you get the idea. 

Early in the third, Henderson scored on a 7-yard run to give Elba it's first lead of the night, 19-18. 

He would break Campbell's record with another 7-yard run on the Tigers ensuing possession.

He would finish the night with 204 yards and 4 TDs, as Elba stepped on the gas in the second half to pull away with a comfortable 16 point win. 

Heading into this Friday nights first round playoff game vs Verbena, Henderson, an Auburn commit, needs just 65 yards to reach the 10,000 yard mark. Barring the most unforeseen of circumstances, he will become just the 12th player ever to eclipse the prestigious 10,000 yard plateau. 

ON PACE TO..CLOSE IT OUT