Drake having strong Senior Bowl practices

MOBILE, ALA. – Kenyan Drake, who starred at Hillgrove High before going on to have a solid career at Alabama, is having a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

“He’s an intriguing guy,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “He was a compliment to (former Alabama running back) Derrick Henry. But he’s explosive both in the return game and at tailback.”

Drake, who’s the seventh ranked running back and is projected to be selected in the third round of the NFL draft by CBSsports.com, has flashed his speed and some power during the run-game drills.

“There is a lot of speed out here,” Drake said. “There are a lot of great players from around the county.”

Drake has enjoyed working with so many NFL scouts, general managers and coaches lining the sideline at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Alabama coach Nick Saban even stopped to watch a South team practice.

“It gives the practices a little bit more of an edge,” Drake said. “Every time I step on the field I can feel that there are a lot of eyes on us in general.”

Drake was an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11 pick and was considered a four-star recruit after playing for coach Phil Ironside at Hillgrove. He picked Alabama over Georgia, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Purdue.

He never became the primary running back for the Crimson Tide and played behind Henry, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. However, Drake doesn’t regret his decision to attend Alabama.

“That’s something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life,” Drake said of winning the national championship. “Just being a part of that team was very special. Even as I continue on to my personal career, I’ll never forget my teammates and winning the national championship.”

Drake had a dazzling 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Alabama’s victory over Clemson in the national title game.

“I also like the fact that he blocks kicks,” Mayock said. “He covers kicks. He does more than one job and I think that adds to his value.”

Drake has the size, but his challenge will be to prove that he can carry the load as a fulltime running back in the NFL.

“I don’t know,” Mayock said when asked of Drake could carry a full load in the NFL. “I think he could be. He’s 210 pounds. He’s one of the more intriguing guys just because he was a compliment at Alabama. Now, we’re going to get a chance to see him in a different role.”

Drake is trying to improve his pass blocking. Jacksonville coach Gus Bradley helped him through one-on-one blitz pick-up drills after he struggled on Tuesday. Pass blocking is key for running backs trying to make the jump to the NFL.

“I just have to continue to pass block on a consistent basis,” Drake said. “Personally, I don’t think I had a good performance in pass blocking. But as long as I continue to progress throughout the week, I can show that I can improve in that aspect. I can take that through the combine, pro day and the draft.”

After practices, Drake has been making his rounds doing interviews with several NFL teams.

“They are mostly just asking how I feel about this process,” Drake said. “I’m just looking forward to being out here with a bunch of great players. I’m just trying to improve on a day-to-day basis out here.”