Derrick Henry attended Yulee High School in Yulee, Florida. He played football there from 2010 to 2013 and became one of the most famous high school running backs in U.S. history. His high school career set national records that still stand today.
Yulee High School is a public school in Nassau County, about 30 miles north of Jacksonville. During Henry’s time, the school had around 1,000 students. He helped put Yulee on the map with his amazing performances on the field.
Derrick Henry’s High School Football Career
Henry played for the Yulee Hornets and was the team’s star running back. In his senior season, he rushed for 4,261 yards and 51 touchdowns. That yardage is still the most ever for a single season in Florida high school football history.
Over his entire high school career, Henry rushed for 12,124 yards and 153 touchdowns. Those totals rank among the top in national high school records. He also set the national record for career rushing yards, which he held until 2019.
Henry won the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2012. He was also named Mr. Football in Florida. His success at Yulee made him one of the most recruited players in the country.
College Recruitment from Yulee High School
Because of his high school success, Henry received scholarship offers from many top college programs. He chose the University of Alabama over Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida State. His decision was announced in 2013 on National Signing Day.
At Alabama, Henry went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2015. He led the Crimson Tide to a national championship that same season. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Key Achievements at Yulee High School
Here are some of the most impressive accomplishments Derrick Henry achieved at Yulee:
- Set the Florida state record for single-season rushing yards (4,261) in 2012.
- Finished his high school career with 12,124 rushing yards, which was the national record at the time.
- Scored 153 career touchdowns, an average of nearly 3 per game.
- Won the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2012.
How Yulee High School Compared to Other Schools
Many elite NFL running backs came from well-known high school football powerhouses. Derrick Henry’s path was different because Yulee was a smaller school. The table below shows how his high school stacks up against others that produced top NFL backs.
| Player | High School | School Size (Approx.) | State Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | Yulee High School | 1,000 students | 0 |
| Adrian Peterson | Palestine High School | 1,200 students | 0 |
| Emmitt Smith | Escambia High School | 2,000 students | 1 |
| Barry Sanders | Wichita North High School | 1,500 students | 0 |
As the table shows, Derrick Henry played at a high school that didn’t win a state title. Still, his individual talent was so great that he became a national standout. That proves that success in football doesn’t always require a big program.
Lessons for High School Athletes
Derrick Henry’s journey from Yulee to the NFL teaches several important lessons. First, hard work and dedication can overcome a lack of resources. Henry trained with his father and used a homemade tire sled to build strength.
Second, staying focused on school and sports is key. Henry was a good student and earned his diploma from Yulee. He also stayed out of trouble and earned respect from coaches.
Third, college recruitment can happen even from a small school. College scouts will find talented players regardless of where they play. Henry’s highlight tapes and game stats were enough to get him noticed.
Yulee High School Today
As of July 2026, Yulee High School continues to field a football team in Class 3A of the Florida High School Athletic Association. The school has not won a state championship since Henry’s time, but his legacy still brings attention to the program. The school even named its football stadium after him: Derrick Henry Stadium at Yulee High School.
Henry himself stays connected to Yulee. He has donated equipment and money to the football program. He also visits when his NFL schedule allows.
Final Summary
Derrick Henry went to Yulee High School in Yulee, Florida, where he set national records and became a top college recruit. His high school career was one of the best ever, and it launched him to a Heisman Trophy at Alabama and a successful NFL career. For students and parents wondering where Derrick Henry went to high school, the answer is Yulee—a place that proves big dreams can start anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Derrick Henry go to high school?
Derrick Henry attended Yulee High School in Yulee, Florida, where he played football from 2010 to 2013.
What high school records did Derrick Henry set?
He set the Florida state record for single-season rushing yards (4,261) and held the national record for career rushing yards (12,124) for several years.
Did Derrick Henry win a state championship in high school?
No, Yulee High School did not win a state football championship during his time there, but Henry’s individual achievements made him a national star.
Is Yulee High School a big school?
Yulee High School has about 1,000 students, making it a medium-sized public school in Florida.
How did Derrick Henry’s high school help his college recruitment?
His record-breaking stats and game footage attracted college scouts, leading to offers from top programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
