St. Paul (Minn.) Cretin-Derham offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson was one of the first class of 2010 prospects to receive a verbal scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-7 and 300-pound ESPNU 150 Watch List offensive tackle was told by the Buckeyes over a year ago that he had a scholarship offer.
Henderson has been a starter at offensive tackle since his sophomore season when he helped lead Cretin-Derham to a 13-0 record before a loss in the state title game.
“I am very quick and real powerful off the ball,” said Henderson when asked about his strengths. “I have great footwork and I think I am good at pass pro. I know I am better at pass blocking than run blocking, so that gives me things that I can work on. I just need to get my run blocking technique down pat and I will be good to go.
"Last year, I gave up one sack and I was kind of mad about it. Our quarterback held the ball for about five seconds, and as the defensive end was coming at me I was pushing him off and he reached down and grabbed the quarterback’s leg and he got the sack. What made that play worse was that the game was on TV, but I am passed all that right now.”
Henderson loves the offensive tackle position, and he understands it is one of the key positions on the field.
“I just like the fact that I go against some of the best athletes on the field in every game,” said Henderson. “In fact, I get asked all the time how come I don’t play defense. Well, for me I am more of a protector. I like to protect people. As far as protecting the quarterback, people probably think that it is easy but it is not. A very good athlete is coming 100 percent at you as fast as he can. He is trying to get around you, trying to get to your quarterback, and you have to sit there, stand your ground and hold your position. Then you have to push him off of you, and that is pretty hard.”
Henderson can bench 320 pounds and squat 405 pounds six times. He also plays basketball, and he admits he likes both sports.
“To tell you the truth, my favorite sport is basketball,” said Henderson. “Football is my second sport, but I love basketball a lot. I love football too, but basketball is my first love. I have been offered by Marquette and St. Louis University for basketball, and every school that is recruiting me for football is telling me that I can play basketball. I know just playing football in college is a whole bunch of work and I may not be able to play both sports. I know that playing basketball would double my load, but if I can get them both done, then I will give that a try.”
Henderson has been on unofficial visits and junior days at Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State and Minnesota. This summer, Henderson says he is going to go back to Michigan and also visit Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, South Carolina, and then he is going out West to visit UCLA and USC.
“I have been offered by over 50 schools,” said Henderson. “I have been trying hard to get it down to a solid 10, but it just keeps coming out to 12. Right now it is not official, but I like Minnesota, USC, UCLA, Michigan, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Florida State, Florida and LSU. There are some other schools, but that would be my top choices right now. “
Henderson can go to any school in the country, and he will be looking for a number of different qualities in each program.
“I want to know the teams' depth chart and who they have coming in,” said Henderson. “I want to know if they are going to have a nice quarterback and who else they have on the offensive line. Then just being comfortable around the team and on campus, and finding a school where I can be at for the next four years, or maybe even five. I can play in any offense, and distance from home doesn’t really matter.”
Henderson holds down two jobs, works out and handles recruiting, and says he is on pace to qualify.
ESPN Evaluation
Henderson has the size and athletic ability to eventually play left offensive tackle and be a great college lineman. There is very good growth potential through increased upper and lower body bulk. Good arm length will allow him to stay clean. Demonstrates the initial quickness necessary to angle block, pull and trap. Possesses the ability to change direction in space and adjust to second level players. Flashes the ability to finish blocks but must be more consistent. Is effective taking on edge rushers and displays good balance. Can slide his feet in pass protection and should begin his career at left offensive tackle. However, he is too high out of his stance as a run blocker and must learn to play with a flatter back. Flashes pull and trap ability but must work to lower center of gravity. Shows some arm strength and is a solid drive/down blocker but must improve the ability to snap heads and shock bull rushers in pass pro. Although he has good athletic ability, his center of gravity must be lower, playing with a wider stance. Needs overall strength and upper body improvement but this is an area where significant gains will be made at the college level. At this time we would like to see a more aggressive player along with the willingness to dominate opponents. Henderson might to red shirt but we like his chances to develop into a three year starter at the major BCS level and perhaps even a dominant player at the conclusion of his college career.
Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!
