Kansas Football: Interview with De Soto 2021 WR Hayden Henderson
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
De Soto High School, located just east of Lawrence, had a solid season in 2019 as the Wildcats started 10-0 before getting tripped up by Mill Valley (18-7) in the state quarterfinals. One of the reasons for their success last year was the play of their explosive offense that scored 43 points a game. In 2020, De Soto will once again be in contention for a state championship as they bring back several key play-makers including Class of 2021 wide receiver Hayden Henderson.
The 6’3”, 185-pound, receiver snagged 18 passes last year for 334 yards and four touchdowns, and after the season he was named All-Conference honorable mention. Henderson has tremendous strength and athleticism to grab passes above any defender while also possessing great speed to out run the defense. His current best 40-yard dash time is 4.63.
This class of 2021 recruit is currently drawing interest from several college programs including Washburn and North Dakota State. It’s only a matter of time before his recruiting process explodes.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Hayden to talk about his junior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Hayden, first off, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We played a good season last year. We went 10-1 but fell short to Mill Valley in the state quarterfinals.”
How would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I would grade myself a B-plus or an A, because I didn’t get the ball that much but when I did, I made the most of it.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths are my size and my speed, no one can really run with me.”
What was your most memorable moment last season?
“My most memorable moment last year was “mossing” a kid and scoring an 83-yard TD.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“All-Conference honorable mention.”
What kind of challenges did you face last season?
“The challenge for me last year was blocking, but every game I got better and better.”
How did you improve your blocking skill?
“By putting the work in every day at practice.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“On Sunday, I workout at Top Speed and on Monday and Tuesday, I do an individual workout on my own. On Wednesday, I do a catching workout with Cassish Sendish, on Thursday, I do hill sprints, Friday is my rest day, and on Saturday, I am do another catching workout with Cassish Sendish.”
What are you working on the most to improve your game?
“My catching and cutting.”
Which schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Washburn, Missouri Western, Central Missouri, St. Thomas, and North Dakota State a little bit.”
Have you attended any camps or taken any visits?
“No due to Corona-virus.”
What do you like most about playing wide receiver?
“That I get to go one on one with the DB and score touchdowns.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.67.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“Basketball, I’m a 3-guard or a power forward. I’m also on the track team; I run the 400 and my best time is 52.05 and my best 4×4 split time is a 50.45.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My dad and my wide receiver coach, because they both push me really hard and they like to see me succeed.”
What is your GPA?
“3.3.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
““Taking it is easy won’t get you anywhere.” That stuck with me because if I don’t push myself I won’t get anywhere.”
What do you like the most about playing at De Soto High School?
“The atmosphere and the energy that the fans bring every game especially the student section.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; De Soto WR Hayden Henderson
Photo credit: Twitter.com; De Soto WR Hayden Henderson