Derrick Henry is a long-established, known entity in the National Football League, but this is his first season with a new team. As the Baltimore Ravens commenced training camp this summer, his new teammates saw Henry in a new light.
Seeing a 6-3 247 lb, an utterly shredded tailback in person instead of on tape, is a different experience.
Especially when he is now on your side, the reactions have been awe-inspiring, with outside linebacker Odafe Oweh probably giving the most colorful take.
“He’s a freak,” the fourth-year edge rusher said this week. “Physical specimen. He looks like he could play defensive end, for real. “I’m excited to see what he brings to the team. I’m just happy he’s on our side.”
Oweh is 6-5 257, so he’s also imposing.
Like Henry, how Oweh performs this season will determine whether the Ravens make the Super Bowl. Both players are expected to have big seasons.
Newly signed safety Eddie Jackson goes way back with Henry, as they played college ball together at Alabama. Jackson and Henry were both in the Crimson Tide freshman class of 2013, with the former staying all four years while the latter declared for the draft after his junior season.
“When ‘D-Hen’ first walked onto the field when I saw him at Alabama, I couldn’t believe how big he was,” Jackson said.
“You see him in person, and it’s like he’s a created player off a game.”
