Bab 167: The Receiving Test
In the 2015 season, Derrick Henry dominated the NCAA with an overwhelming performance, securing the Heisman Trophy over McCaffrey and Watson. At the season's end, Henry declared for the 2016 draft.
Given his undeniable college dominance, Henry was expected to be a hot draft pick.
However, reality proved otherwise.
First, Henry's powerful frame made him an obvious target, making it easy for defenders to locate and tackle him. His high center of gravity also made him prone to losing balance.
Second, while Henry's explosive running style worked in college, NFL defenses were a whole new level of intensity, so his approach might not translate as effectively.
Lastly, players like Henry—towering, powerful backs like Brandon Jacobs, LeGarrette Blount, and Marshawn Lynch—often serve primarily as one-dimensional rushers, used mainly for first-down runs. When defenses anticipate ground plays on later downs, their power advantage often diminishes amid stacked defensive lines.
In this context, "one-dimensional" refers to players who can only run and don't contribute to the passing game.
With these limitations, Henry's flaws appeared more significant than his strengths. After the national championship, NFL scouts began projecting him as a fourth- or even fifth-round pick, or lower. Fortunately, Henry's stellar performances at the rookie camp and Alabama's Crimson Tide Pro Day won over scouts.
Ultimately, he was drafted 45th overall in the second round by the Tennessee Titans.
But—
In March, before the draft, the Titans had already signed Pro Bowl running back DeMarco Murray as their starter. This relegated Henry to a backup role during his rookie season.
The Titans' quarterback was Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman winner—a mobile quarterback with excellent ground game skills but average passing abilities. Additionally, both Murray and Henry were similar in play style, excelling at rushing but lacking in receiving. Their roles completely overlapped.
As a result, head coach Ken Whisenhunt only used Henry when Murray was exhausted.
Henry's rookie season ended with just 490 rushing yards and five touchdowns, only a fifth of his previous season's production.
This is the current state of the NFL.
The league has fully embraced a pass-heavy era, leaving traditional power backs with limited roles, while running backs with versatility—particularly those capable of receiving—have become essential.
One-dimensional backs have less space in the league. Running backs now need a range of skills: not only rushing but blocking, receiving, and sometimes—albeit rarely—throwing passes.
Thus—
Today's running back must cover the roles of four or five different positions, often earning the offense's lowest salary and becoming expendable at the team's whim. Teams can easily replace one back with another late-round pick, making these all-purpose players some of the league's cheapest labor.
It's a harsh reality.
Even in the NCAA, teams are increasingly using running backs as receivers to exploit mismatches and disrupt defensive setups. Both McCaffrey and Kamara frequently play as receivers in their respective teams.
A glance at the stats explains Kamara's mindset—
In the 2016 season, he ran 103 times for 596 yards and was targeted 40 times in the passing game for an additional 392 yards.
No wonder Kamara wasn't on everyone's radar—and no wonder Lance didn't remember him. As a pure running back, Kamara's stats were modest, but as a receiver, he shone, making him a dual-threat.
Of course, some NCAA teams still adhere to traditional ground-and-pound offense without using their running backs as receivers.
The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of those teams.
Since Lance only started playing football a year ago and was still developing basic running back skills, Coach Burns hadn't overwhelmed him with new roles. Lance had never played as a receiver in an actual game, making this a new experience.
And now, the running backs at rookie camp would face the receiving test—
Once again, all eyes turned to Lance.
The test protocol wasn't a surprise; nothing here was a sudden curveball. But, more importantly, receiving skills are not something that can be developed in just six weeks.
This may be the real reason behind Lance's intensive training—potentially more important than his bench press.
A running back lacking in power and physicality might raise some concerns, but the NFL's dynamic offensive strategies often find ways to utilize such players. However, a one-dimensional back has increasingly slim chances of survival in the professional game.
So, how would Lance perform?
The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
Exhaling deeply, Kamara steeled himself, knowing there was no way back.
His plans had fallen apart, and the situation had spiraled out of his control. Although he wanted to curse, he had no energy for it. If he still hoped to use Lance as a stepping stone to improve his draft position, this was his last chance.
The receiving test measured agility and accuracy rather than speed.
Players began at a starting point marked by a cross-shaped block about twenty centimeters high, positioned on the ground. Standing in one quadrant, the player would step with one foot into the next quadrant, followed by the other foot, ensuring each foot landed separately before both were in the same square. Then, they would continue moving in the same pattern to complete a full circle back to the starting point.
Players could go clockwise or counterclockwise according to their preference.
Afterward, they would launch forward.
Ahead lay three horizontal, twenty-centimeter hurdles in a straight line. The player would hop over each in succession and keep moving forward.
Next, three circular inflatable pads arranged in a triangular formation simulated defenders. Coaches stood behind each pad, moving them to indicate defensive positioning, while the running back had to choose the best route and evade the pads without contact.
Moving ahead, the player would see another coach who would signal left or right. Rather than dodging, the player was required to follow this direction, making a lateral cut to the designated side. Near the sideline, the player would position themselves to receive a pass.
A coach would throw the ball.
After securing the catch, the running back would sprint along the sideline toward the end zone.
The entire routine, though appearing simple, was highly complex.
It tested footwork, decision-making, adaptability, directional changes, catching, ball control after the catch, and a final sprint.
Time wasn't measured here, but the speed of footwork, situational judgment, smooth transitions, and quick reflexes were all visible to onlookers, making it a comprehensive assessment for both running backs and receivers.
It was challenging—extremely challenging—but Kamara was ready.
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