Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White


Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Serving the campus of the University of Alabama since 1894

The Crimson White

Kenyan Drake talks injuries, mistaken identity

Kenyan+Drake+talks+injuries%2C+mistaken+identity

DALLAS — Before Kenyan Drake broke his arm on a kickoff return at Mississippi State, he was hurt. Cracked rib against Ole Miss, sprained ankle, concussion after LSU and contusions among some of the pains.

“It’s just been a year of ailments, but I mean that’s how this team is, we go through adversity so I feel like I can be a testament to that on how to work through that,” Drake said.

He said having people like former linebacker C.J. Mosley to look at to play when hurt helped.

“There’s a difference between being hurt and being injured,” Drake said. “I was hurt for the majority of this season, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t go out there and give my best effort.”

So far, the running back has 347 net yards rushing and 250 yards receiving in 11 games. As a returner, he averages 22.1 yards on kickoffs. 

The running back has been a dynamic offensive threat for Alabama, but has battled injuries his whole career. Last season, after a broken leg ruled him out for the SEC Championship run, his lack of playing time resulted in a case of mistaken identity for the then-junior–one he didn’t object to.

“I know last year I got hurt obviously,” Drake said. “So I didn’t play the majority of the season. But near the end of the year, Blake (Sims) was getting a lot of recognition. So I got confused a few times for being Blake. So there’s a couple of pictures on Facebook I know that he has that probably pop up on his Facebook of me that probably people would say, “Yeah, I just took a picture with Blake Sims”. I ran with it. I really did.”

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