Henderson big part of Vols' success

SCOTT CAIN
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

FAYETTEVILLE -- Everything about Tennessee defensive tackle John Henderson is big.
Check out Henderson's size (6-7, 295), his stats (he leads the SEC with nine sacks) and his reputation (he's regarded as an NFL first-round draft pick if he chooses to leave early).
Henderson is a large reason why Tennessee leads the SEC and ranks second nationally in run defense, allowing an average of 68.2 yards per game.
The bigger, the better, Arkansas junior guard Kenny Sandlin said. He was referring to the challenge.
"Looking forward to it," Sandlin said. "That's what you come to college for, to play a big-time D-lineman like that. I faced him last year, and he's a tough competitor. I think he's gotten a little bit better."
Because of his size, Henderson was difficult to power block last year but he was susceptible to zone blocking, which pushes players side to side, because he didn't move especially well. Since then, Henderson has improved his speed and leverage to counter zone blocking, and he uses his hands to fight cut blocks.
In the middle of the Georgia game, the Bulldogs moved their best offensive lineman, Jonas Jennings, from the left to right side to try to stop Henderson.
"That's was quite a credit to John," Volunteers defensive line coach Dan Brooks said.
Georgia's move didn't work. Henderson finished with a career-high 10 tackles. His previous high? Eight against Arkansas last year.
"The main thing about John is he comes ready to play," Tennessee linebacker Anthony Sessions said. "Being that big, man, if you're ready to play you're hard to stop. It makes my job easier."
Henderson still needs to improve his technique, but he has established himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
If Henderson stays healthy "he's going to have a major decision to make," draft analyst Mike Detillier of New Orleans told the Knoxville News-Sentinel. "If he goes to the NFL advisory board in December and gets their opinion, they are going to hand him a slip of paper that says 'first-round pick.' "
Players can go to the advisory panel for feedback on where they might be drafted if they leave school early.
Henderson is a junior, and he could regain a year of eligibility because he was a partial qualifier. That would put him at Tennessee through the 2002 season, if he cares to stay that long.
Henderson said he'll "definitely be back" for next season and turning pro "hasn't even crossed my mind."
"I don't pay any attention to that," Henderson said. "I'm just going to try to finish the year and come back and get better."

This article was published on Friday, November 10, 2000

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