Derrick Henry has been in the spotlight since his breakout performance in the Sugar Bowl.

The hype surrounding the rising sophomore running back could not get any bigger, and what’s worse – or better, in Alabama’s case – is that in the Crimson Tide’s preparation for its annual spring game, Henry seems to have carried that momentum from New Orleans, La., with him back to Tuscaloosa.

“Derrick Henry has had a fabulous spring,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “He picked up right where he left off at bowl practice last year. He works really hard. He runs really hard. He plays with a lot of toughness.”

That toughness was on full display in the Crimson Tide’s 45-31 loss to Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. Henry bulldozed over defenders, leaving them in his wake as he rushed for 100 yards on eight carries and one rushing touchdown. He also caught one pass for 61 yards and a score.

(See also “Breaking the Mold: Freshman running back Derrick Henry brings size, talent to Alabama’s offense“)

As he carved up the Oklahoma defense, spectators were left with their jaws on the floor. Before the game even ended, the legend of Derrick Henry started to spread across social media at an alarming pace, and soon after, he was the hottest topic in college football.

But his teammates said they were expecting that kind of performance from the moment he stepped onto campus.

“It didn’t surprise me,” rising senior running back Jalston Fowler said. “He worked his butt off. The kid is always working, I mean always. Whether he’s getting extra work in or lifting weights, he’s doing something extra because he wants to be great. That’s what I like about him.”

The 6-foot-3-inch, 238-pound back towers over most defenders, or at least meets them eye-to-eye, which is uncommon for tailbacks. His size is what gives Henry a distinct advantage over opposing defenses.

(See also “Derrick Henry has big game in Sugar Bowl loss“)

“A lot of people are scared to tackle him,” rising junior linebacker Reggie Ragland said.

Henry smiled when he heard Ragland’s flattering comments, as he experienced that against Oklahoma.

“During the Oklahoma game, I could tell that they didn’t want to tackle me,” Henry said. “I just kept the mindset of being physical and keep running hard so everything will open up. I got some yards, and I was able to get some touchdowns.”

His physicality is apparent, but he also exhibited his ability to cut and avoid defenders in Alabama’s bowl game. Still, he is known as bruising runner, something Fowler said he can appreciate.

“He’s running a lot harder, trying to run people over out there,” Fowler said. “He’s a big bull out there. Kind of took from my role, and I like it.”

This spring, Henry has received reps behind T.J. Yeldon and in front of Kenyan Drake, and will see an increased role in the offense this coming season. But fans that saw his talent in the Sugar Bowl want to know why he is not the No. 1 guy in Alabama’s backfield, which also happens to be one of Henry’s aspirations.

“That’s one of my goals, but right now I’m just focused on getting better and becoming a complete player so I can have that opportunity to be on the field more than I did last year,” Henry said. “My main focus is getting better, becoming a complete back and being a better student of the game so I can help this team win.”

(See also “Alabama’s new guys: Derrick Henry, OJ Howard“)