Diamond in the Rough: Justin Henderson

After playing last year as a starting lineman for IMG Academy, a National Top 25 prep school in Bradenton, Florida and garnering several Division 1 offers many folks would think that Justin Henderson would be now representing one of those schools on the gridiron.  Only problem is, he’s just a Junior in High School.  At 6’7” and 325 pounds it’s easy to see why IMG recruited him as a Sophomore and why his Louisiana home town team, Denham Springs, is glad to have him on their roster once again.  While he learned a lot at IMG and had experiences equal to many college athletes, it was the lure of home and family that brought him back.

Starting at right tackle for the Yellow Jackets, Justin has racked up an impressive record in the first four games of the season.  Thanks to his punishing style and size, Denham running backs have no problem following behind Henderson as he makes holes big enough to drive the proverbial truck through.  And when it comes to pass protection, well, suffice it to say that the QB has yet to have a threat come at him from the right side.  In fact, most observers would agree that opposing defenders usually give up after the first series or two when it becomes apparent that they will not be a factor in the game.  And that’s just the way Justin likes it as his goal is to demoralize, dominate and shut down his opposition from play one.

So far, he is getting looks from UL, La Tech, Florida, Purdue, Colorado State and Alabama just to name a few.  He currently has offers from Kent State and University of Central Florida.  Where will he wind up?  Well, I guess we’ll just need to watch him continue to develop as a player and see who offers him next spring.

Justin has been invited to play in the Max Emfinger All American Bowl Game Classic on Dec 31st, at Strawberry Stadium (Southeastern Louisiana University) in Hammond, La.