Derrick Henry was Alabama's leading rusher last football season and averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
The 6-foot-3, 241-pound junior doesn't seem to be resting on those accomplishments.
"I love Derrick Henry," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said in a news conference following Wednesday's practice. "He's one of the hardest workers on our team. If you were going to give a Most Valuable Player for the offseason program for finishing, running hard and winning every race, he would have gotten it or been in the top three at least.
"He has a real burning desire to be a really good player, and he works really hard at it."
Saban added that his biggest concern with Henry is the anxiety he can show when things aren't always going his way, comparing him to a star basketball player who may only have two points at halftime.
Henry averaged a staggering 10.9 yards per carry as a freshman during the 2013 season, with an 80-yard run against Arkansas and a 43-yarder against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl aiding his average. He played behind T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake most of his first year but became the primary tailback late last season when Yeldon battled injuries.
After winding up with 990 rushing yards last season, Henry has apparently broadened his horizons.
"Derrick Henry has improved in all aspects of the game where he doesn't have the ball," Saban said. "That includes blocking and being a better receiver and understanding pass protections."
Alabama had its third practice of the spring Wednesday and its first in full pads. Several former players attended the workout, including Amari Cooper, Josh Chapman, Ed Stinson, Marquis Maze, Nick Perry and Arie Kouandjio.
The Crimson Tide will resume practicing Friday.
Drake, who got off to a stellar start last season before breaking his leg in the fifth game at Ole Miss, continues to practice with the tailbacks and receivers. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound senior had an 87-yard touchdown reception on Alabama's first play from scrimmage last year against Florida and could provide quite the complement to Henry.
"We are going to explore every way possible to get those guys the ball," Saban said. "We are looking at personnel groupings to get those guys together."
Sophomore left tackle Cam Robinson suffered a sprained ankle but should be back Friday, while redshirt sophomore Anthony Averett is practicing at receiver after residing last year at cornerback. Averett's only appearance in a game last season was against Western Carolina.
Saban said that secondary coach Mel Tucker has been a good fit so far and that outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi brings a lot of energy to practice.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.