Emmanuel Henderson Ready to Showcase '99 Speed' at Wide Receiver for Alabama Football

After a position change, the former four-star recruit is gearing up to display his elite quickness in 2024.

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Emmmanuel Henderson, the Hartford, Ala., native who initially made waves as a versatile four-star running back recruit, is gearing up for a significant shift in his collegiate career for Alabama football.

Now stepping into the spotlight at wide receiver as a junior, Henderson is eager to demonstrate the elite quickness and athleticism that have been the hallmark of his play. The transition from the backfield to catching deep balls is more than a mere change of position for Henderson; it represents the opportunity to exhibit his evolution as a player.

"The transition, you know I wouldn't say it was easy," Henderson said on Friday. "I had to put a lot of time and work in. Especially with the route running, but I got most of the details down now, and I'm just leading by example for the younger guys to make sure they're doing all the right things, so that they can follow in my footsteps."

In a reflective moment with reporters, Henderson also shared his gratitude and focus for the future.

"I'm just going to continue praying to God, you know, I got an opportunity to come out here and have a good spring," Henderson said. "I'm just going to continue building on that, and continuing to get better every day."

With a new season on the horizon, Henderson is not only adjusting to his role but also thriving within it, thanks in part to Alabama's new offensive schemes under head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan.

"I love the new schemes we have," Henderson said. "Just going to keep building on that. It fits my style of play well. I like to run. Them deep balls, we need them."

When evaluating his skills, Henderson also displays a blend of confidence and self-awareness, unhesitatingly aiming to boost his ratings in EA Sports College Football '25.

"I think my overall, me personally, should be a 90," Henderson said. "Starting off, you feel me? Plus the speed. Speed most definitely should be a 99. Route running, 92. Most definitely."

Whether it's his lightning speed, improved route running, or the leadership he exhibits both on and off the field, Henderson appears ready to make headlines in 2024.