Maybe, just maybe, Alabama has the next Derrick Henry on its roster in Daniel Hill.

Even if he doesn’t reach Henry’s level of success and dominance, Hill playing even 75% like Henry would go a long ways.

The comparison has been made. Hill, heading into his second year with Alabama football, was asked on the Bama Standard podcast this week whom he patterns his running style after. He chose a former Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner.

“I would probably say the main person that people compare me as or I mirror myself as is Derrick Henry,” Hill said. “Just growing up watching him from Alabama to the NFL, that’s somebody I really mirror myself as. Take things from his game and put into my game.”

What parts of Henry’s game does Hill think he can replicate?

“How physical he is,” Hill said. “That’s one thing I really take pride in, being a physical running back. Having the man in front of me fear that I’m coming so you have a plan when you tackle me.”

Hill has the body type for it. He’s listed at 6-1, 242 pounds. That’s not far off Henry. The Baltimore Ravens running back is listed at 6-2, 247 pounds.

Hill will have an opportunity for a bigger role in 2025. His freshman season in 2024, he took 21 carries for 61 yards and one touchdown.

Ahead of him will likely be Jam Miller and Richard Young, but Hill is trending upward.

“Daniel Hill I thought was one of the guys who maybe stood out as much as anybody this spring,” Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. “I thought he really did a nice job. Physical runner. Very nimble for how big he is. Can stick his foot in the ground and get vertical. Excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. Showed a lot of toughness throughout spring. I thought he showed up quite a bit and improved as much as anybody out there.”

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for Follow him on X and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.