Derrick Henry, a standout running back in the NFL, is renowned for his extraordinary high school football career at Yulee High School in Florida, where he established a record that still stands. By the time he graduated in 2012, he had an astounding 12,124 rushing yards, setting the all-time record for high school football.
Henry’s dominance on the field was evident from his freshman year when he rushed for 2,465 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. His coaches recognized his exceptional talent, even utilizing him defensively as a pass rusher. In a crucial late-season game, Henry showcased his skills by carrying the ball 33 times for 288 yards and scoring three touchdowns, while also stepping up on defense to block a punt.
During his senior season, Henry’s ability to touch the ball was unmatched, as he averaged over 40 touches in six games. One of his most memorable moments occurred when Yulee faced Glades Day, a team that featured another notable running back, Kelvin Taylor, the son of NFL great Fred Taylor. Henry delivered a remarkable performance, finishing the game with 35 carries for a staggering 362 yards and six touchdowns.
As the decade progressed, Henry’s remarkable rushing record is now under threat from Myles McLaughlin, a senior at 3A Knox Community in Indiana. Currently, McLaughlin is just 1,121 yards shy of Henry’s all-time mark. If he can lead his team to the state championship, he would have four games to achieve this goal.
Though averaging over a thousand yards in four games may appear daunting, McLaughlin has been exceptional this season, amassing 3,603 rushing yards and averaging 327 yards per game. To break the record, he needed to average just over 280 yards per game, a target well within reach given his outstanding performance.
Knox Community is currently undefeated, winning all their games by at least 15 points, which increases the likelihood of McLaughlin getting the opportunity to play all four games. In an interview on the “Up and Adams Show with Kay Adams,” Henry expressed his awareness of McLaughlin, praising his toughness and skills.
Henry encouraged McLaughlin to break the record, stating, “Records are meant to be broken. I’ve had it for 10-plus years. Go get it.” He hopes that McLaughlin can achieve this feat while also leading his team to a state championship, highlighting the importance of both individual and team success. This perspective resonates with Henry’s own experience, as his team fell short of a state title in the year he set the record.
If McLaughlin succeeds in surpassing Henry’s record, it would represent a more rapid transition, as Henry’s record broke that of Ken Hall, who had held it for 59 years. Hall, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 89, was the previous record-holder with 11,232 rushing yards.
As excitement builds around McLaughlin’s pursuit of the record, the football community remains hopeful, and it’s a testament to both players’ remarkable talents and their ability to inspire future generations on the field.