Erin Henderson Interview

The NFL better look out as E.J.'s little brother is on his way and is ready to make his mark. Erin was able to give us a snapshot of what he's all about and let us learn a little behind the scenes info on this future NFL star.

What advice has your brother, E.J. Henderson, told you about what to expect when you move to the NFL?

The biggest thing that EJ told me was to be prepared for a whole different tempo and speed of the game. He said that the speed of the college game does not even begin to compare to the NFL.

What was your best memory from your days in college?

My best memory would have to be my interception return for a touchdown against Virgina my sophomore year. It was crazy because my brother had caught one the week before for the same amount of yards and everything. He was actually at that game and I remember coming over to him on the sidelines and getting a little chest bump before I had to go back on the field. I should have celebrated a little bit better though. I always told myself I wouldn’t do a great celebration if I scored but I was just tired and looking to get back on the sideline.

What player on the Terrapins do you feel is poised for a breakout season next year on your team?


I think they are a couple of guys the country should keep their eye on. on defense we have Kevin Barnes, Chase Bullock, and Dave Phillistin. The big names on offense should be Darrius Heyward-Bey and Scott Burley.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?

The best player I faced was probably Matt Ryan. Although we beat them (had to put that in there) he made some plays and passes that most quarterbacks would not even think about attempting. the thing that i was really most impressed with was his poise though. No matter what we did nothing ever seemed to bother him.

My opponents would say the best part of my game is….

My ability to make blockers miss when they think they have me dead to rights. I think they would also mention my instincts and ability to find the ball carrier.

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show… My college stats fail to show that I played through several injuries my last year at umd. I played with some injuries that most guys in my position would have set out for. However, the most impressive thing in my eyes is that I was still able to play the game at a high level and continue to help my team.

The type of NFL defense I’d fit best in would be?

I think I fit well in any scheme. While at UMD I only played WILL linebacker but I was comfortable with the responsibilities and assignments for all three lb spots which means I know what is required both mentally and physically. I believe that I am more than capable of playing all three. It is just going to be a matter of what the team needs may be.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

We have a very nice basement in our house with a pool table, poker table, ping pong table, and 72 inch TV so I usually just invite some friends over and hang out. I have had quite a bit of free time here recently (something I never had while in college) so I have started reading some good books.

What is the best football book or movie you’ve ever read or watched?

That’s a tough question there are a couple that I think are good. When it’s all said and done though I would have to say Remember The Titans is my favorite. The fact that it is based on a true story and the message that it delivers makes it a great movie.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

When you are younger you think about those things and you say I would love to play for the Dallas Cowboys or the Pittsburgh Steelers or whatever team it may be. Now that it is actually here I am just so excited that I have an opportunity to play the game I love for a living that it honestly does not matter. All I am hoping for is an opportunity to go in and compete for some playing time on both defense and special teams.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Get off to a good start academically and prepare to humble yourself. If you get off to a slow start in school you will never be able to dig yourself out of that hole. Start off well then by the time you are actually playing you will have a little more wiggle room. Now, you are back at the bottom of the totem pole and nobody cares what you did in high school. Everybody was the man where they come from which is why they are all there and veterans are not going to want to deal with you if you are arrogant or cocky. So go in humble, stay humble, and it will make your time in college that much easier.

Describe yourself in a few words? I am a genuine, fun loving, outgoing person who enjoys being around people and meeting new individuals.however on the field that is not Erin. That is my alter ego (so please do not hold that against me).

Check out more about Erin at www.terpenh1.com