Interview with Class of 2016 Evangel Christian WR Corey Henderson Jr.

The Shreveport, Louisiana area has always been a hotbed of football talent ever since Hall of Fame QB Terry Bradshaw played at Woodlawn High in the 70’s. The latest high school football star that is getting ready to make the jump to the college level is Corey Henderson Jr.

On March 30, the 6’1”, 170 pound, wide receiver for Evangel Christian Academy, committed to play college football at the University of Tennessee. The speedy wide receiver is rated as a three-star recruit by 247sports.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, we sat down with Corey to talk about his high school career and his commitment to Tennessee.

 

Corey, you reached the second round of the playoffs last year, what are your thoughts on the 2014 season?

“From the team we had a bunch of seniors that had been playing together for awhile and it was their team. The underclassmen had to get on board. We did pretty good. We went farther then most people thought we would. We were very happy about last year.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“In 2013, I was behind Jared Cornelius who now plays at Arkansas. I had to sit back and watch. In my junior year last year I had to show that I could match him and I did better than I thought I would do. I took advantage of the opportunities and did pretty well at the things they threw at me.”

Did you earn any individual honors last years?

“Second-Team All-District.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I can stretch the field and play very fast. I use my speed to my advantage. Most people can’t keep up with me. I have very good vision on the field and I am very nifty. I have a very wide wing span and I can jump really high.”

On March 30, you committed to Tennessee.  When did you decide to commit to Tennessee?

“When I got offered two weeks ago before that. I was really excited and fell in love with the campus. The coaches really wanted me to come. It was my best visit and after  I talked it over with my parents.”

Who had the biggest influence on your decision to commit to Tennessee?

“The wide receivers coach (Coach Zach Azzanni). He meant what he was saying and broke down it how they would use me and it helped with my decision.”

What is the one thing that drew you to commit to Tennessee?

“Definitely the coaches’ love, all the position coaches showed me love.”

What coaches from Tennessee have you spoken with?

“Head Coach Butch Jones. I also talked to everyone but a couple defensive coaches.”

When is your second visit?

“I will go in another three weeks.”

What other colleges did you visit besides Tennessee?

“LSU, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and Alabama.”

What other schools offered you?

“Arizona State, LSU, Cal, Arkansas, TCU, Baylor, Georgia and others.”

What are you trying to work on the most during the offseason?

“(I’m) trying to focus on breaking down the routes and limiting my steps when taking my routes.  I’m also working on my timing and using the cone drills.”

What is your fastest 40 yard time?

“4.41 and I also ran 4.40 on handheld.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 season what game are you most looking forward to play on Evangel’s schedule?

“(I’m) more focused on Warren Easton from New Orleans.”

What are your thoughts on playing Warren Easton in the Battle on the Border event at Independence Stadium?

“Knowing they’re from New Orleans, they will be fast. Knowing their caliber they will good.  I will ready the team as much as I can.  It will take more then one or two players to win that game for us.”

Do you have a current college or NFL player that you try to model your game after?

“I try to do things like Odell Beckham Jr. I’m very good at catching one handed. Me and another receiver work on it after practice.”

What motivates you to give 100 percent effort on the football field?

“Definitely knowing that my teammates are working just as hard as me and not letting them down. They want to win just as much as me.”

Who has the most influence on your football career?

“My parents who have always been behind me no matter what decision I’ve made. They or one of them have made it to every game. They calm me down whenever I have a problem.”

 

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Photo credit: theshreveporttimes.com; No. 3 Corey Henderson.