Kenneth Darby

Infobox NFLactive
name=Kenneth Darby


width=
caption=
currentteam=Atlanta Falcons
currentnumber=35
currentposition=Running back
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|12|26
birthplace=Huntsville, Alabama
heightft=5
heightin=10
weight=211
debutyear=2007
debutteam=Tampa Bay Buccaneers
college=Alabama
draftyear=2007
draftround=7
draftpick=246
pastteams=
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007)
* Atlanta Falcons (2008-present)
status=Practice Squad
highlights=
* Second-team All-SEC (2004)
* First-team All-SEC (2005)
nfl=DAR156792

Kenneth Darby (born December 26, 1982 in city-state|Huntsville|Alabama) is an American football running back who is a practice squad player for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.

Early years

Darby attended S. R. Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama.

College career

Kenneth Darby played his college ball at the University of Alabama. He was a fan favorite and great leader. He first saw action his freshman year in 2003 under former coach Mike Shula. He played sparingly behind former runningbacks Shaud Williams and Ray Hudson. However, during his limited playing time that year, he did show flashes of brilliance. 2004 served as Ken Darby's coming out year. With the graduation of Shaud Williams and starter Ray Hudson falling to injury, Darby sprung into action. Although taking over the starting role five games into the season, Darby still rushed for over 1,100 yards. Unfortunately, due an injury at the end of the season, Darby was unable to play in the Music City Bowl. The Tide finished 6-6 that year. In his junior year of 2005, the Crimson Tide had high hopes of a great season. Darby came in as a preseason All-SEC player after a long, hard summer of recovery from his injury. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and finished the season as one of the top runners in the SEC. That year, the Crimson Tide finished 10-2 with a victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Cotton Bowl.In 2006, Darby entered the season as one of the top three running backs in the nation. He also needed just over 1,000 yards rushing to surpass Shaun Alexander as Alabama's career rushing leader. However, due to a shaky offensive line and less than stellar play calling, he only rushed for a little over 800 yards. Ken fell short of the record and finished the season without a rushing touchdown. The Crimson Tide finished 6-6 with a loss to Oklahoma State in the Independence Bowl. Shortly there after, Darby was selected to play in the Senior Bowl.

Professional career

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ken Darby was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round. He was waived by the Buccaneers during final cuts on August 30, 2008.

Atlanta Falcons

On September 1, 2008, Darby was signed to the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.

External links

* [http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Players/Practice_Squad/Kenneth_Darby.aspx Atlanta Falcons bio]
* [http://www.buccaneers.com/team/playerdetail.aspx?player=Darby,Kenneth,33 Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio]