Emerging Alabama star 242-pound RB addresses comparisons to Derrick Henry as camp battles heat up

The Alabama Crimson Tide are undergoing an offensive makeover this offseason, opening the door for relative unknown talents to emerge. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is hosting a battle for a new starting quarterback, running back rotation, and who should play at receiver and tight end.

Jam Miller and Ryan Williams are the only two proven returnees.

Sophomore running back Daniel Hill had only 21 carries for 61 yards and one touchdown last year, but the 242-pounder is drawing hype early on. The former four-star prospect was the fifth-best back in the 2024 class for good reason.

This week, he has asked about his similarities to Derrick Henry, who took college football and the NFL by storm with his immense size and speed.

"Honestly, growing up, I used to watch a lot of different backs, just taking pieces from every back that I watched," Hill told The Bama Standard podcast Tuesday evening. "But I would probably say the main person that people compare me as or that I compare myself as, is Derrick Henry.

"Just growing up, watching him, from Alabama to the NFL -- that's somebody that I can really mirror myself as and take things from his game and put into my game."

The Mississippi product played multiple positions in high school, including quarterback and wide receiver. He was a Mississippi State legacy recruit after his dad, Demetrius, but he opted to sign with Nick Saban's Tide. 

Even after Saban retired four days after his commitment, Hill stuck it out and wanted to compete. So far, Grubb is finding him quite intriguing.

"Daniel Hill is probably one of the guys who maybe stood out as much as anybody in the spring," Grubb said in April. "I thought he really did a nice job. Physical runner. Very nimble for how big he is. Excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. Showed a lot of toughness throughout the spring. I thought he showed up quite a bit and improved as much as anybody else."

If Hill's self-evaluation and embodiment of what Henry does so well translates to the field this fall, then he could be a tremendous breakout candidate. 

"How physical he is," Hill told the podcast of Henry. "That's one thing that I really take pride in. Having the man in front of me fear that I'm coming, so you have to have a plan when you tackle me.

"From a football aspect, I want to be remembered as the most physical back in the country. I want to be somebody who can get all the tough yards -- the fourth-and-ones, and all that. I want to be able to do that for my team."

Here was 247Sports' scouting report on Hill coming out of high school. He also made the companies' 2024 Freaks List.

Verified at 5-foot-11 plus and 240-pounds, possesses limited growth potential to add additional weight to his frame. Displays good athleticism at multiple positions on offense including running back and tight end.

Multi-dimensional athlete with a position versatile skill set that can project in a variety of ways depending on offensive scheme. Exhibits suddenness as a running back and route runner when flexed out as a receiver. Demonstrates above average play speed and separation quickness in the open field but lacks long speed to outrun defenders. Shows willingness and physicality as a blocker on the perimeter. Flashes good play strength and the ability to play through contact between the tackles. Appears to possess natural pass catching ability, plus possesses some above average run after catch ability. Flashes some downfield playmaking ability in the passing game.

Position versatile piece with a dense frame that can be deployed in a variety of ways on offense. Projects to the RB position at the next level with the ability to be flexed out in the passing game. Jumbo athlete with a unique offensive skill set. Has the ability to see the field early at the next level because of position versatility while projecting as a Power Five multi-year starter at the next level.