Justin Henderson – Running Back – Louisiana Tech
Brendan Bolan: What are your measurements (Height, Weight, 40 time)?
Justin Henderson: 5-8 ½, 222 pounds.
Brendan Bolan: How would you say your 2020 season went?
Justin Henderson: It had ups and downs because of Covid, but when I got back I was working my tail off. When I first got back to Tech I tested negative, so we had a full workout. Then I had to get pulled for contact tracing, but I still tested negative. That happened like 2 or 3 more times and I still tested negative. The 4th test I took though was positive, so I had to sit out. My body wasn’t the same when I came back.
Brendan Bolan: You had a very good campaign in 2019, what was different about that season?
Justin Henderson: Great players that were here. We all came together and had a great season. Our 10th win coming against Miami, it was amazing. We all played for each other.
Brendan Bolan: What is a skill set you possess that you feel is underrated or goes unappreciated by scouts?
Justin Henderson: People think I’m just a power back, but I’m going to show them I’m more versatile. I can run, can catch, and can block. Even though I had 200 receiving yards in 2019, it went unnoticed.
Brendan Bolan: Where are you training for the draft?
Justin Henderson: In Florida. Getting my 40 time right and getting ready for the pro day. I’m super excited for my pro day.
Brendan Bolan: What positions did you play in high school?
Justin Henderson: Almost everything. Linebacker, strong safety, running back, and did kickoffs.
Brendan Bolan: Did you play any other sports in high school?
Justin Henderson: Track and basketball. My dad told me to focus on football, and soccer my senior year.
Brendan Bolan: Coming out of high school, what colleges were interested in you?
Justin Henderson: Couple of schools, I wasn’t ranked but I had schools that liked me. Like Michigan State, Miami, FIU, and FAU. But I started at prep and then went to Juco and ended up at Louisiana Tech.
Brendan Bolan: How would you say your career went as a whole at Louisiana Tech?
Justin Henderson: I think it went great, except for 2020. 2020 was a setback. I had a great run at Louisiana Tech. They showed me a lot of love.
Brendan Bolan: Have you played in any all-star games?
Justin Henderson: I was at CGS. It was a great thing for me. I met scouts and talked to them. I was able to perform there.
Brendan Bolan: What is the strongest aspect of your game?
Justin Henderson: They say I’m a power back but I’m more than that. I feel like I can fit in any system. I feel like I can do everything. I can be effective without the ball.
Brendan Bolan: What is a part of your game you are working on improving?
Justin Henderson: All of it. Running, catching, pass blocking. Being better overall. Putting in the work. I don’t get comfortable being good in one aspect. Even though I’m good at it, I want to work on it.
Brendan Bolan: What was the highlight of your career?
Justin Henderson: Beating Miami. God blessed me to have a great game. Got MVP of that game. My family was there. Miami showed interest in high school, but never followed through. So it was personal for me.
Brendan Bolan: Who is your favorite NFL team of all time?
Justin Henderson: It was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brendan Bolan: Is there an NFL running back you try and learn from through film?
Justin Henderson: I watch Mark Ingram and Ricky Williams. We have similar builds.
Brendan Bolan: Which underclassmen on your team we should keep an eye out for next year?
Justin Henderson: LB Trey Baldwin. He was at Missouri, went to Juco and then came here. 2021 is going to be his year to be one of those top linebackers.
Brendan Bolan: What is the toughest defense or defensive player you had to play your college career?
Justin Henderson: Trey Baldwin, my own teammate. We made each other better. Also linebacker from Miami #56 (Michael Pinckney). He was very impressive that bowl game. I had to switch it up on him.
Brendan Bolan: What do you think is the most important trait or skill set for a running back?
Justin Henderson: Besides running the ball, you need to know how to pass block, and catch the ball out of the backfield. And not just that, you need to be a team player. You got to want to pass block, you have to want to run routes. Being a complete back.
Brendan Bolan: What do you love about playing football?
Justin Henderson: I’m a competitor. I want to say at the end of the game, I gave it my all. I want to get the best out of people. I love the competitive nature of it. But deeper is the locker room, that is the most fun time.
Brendan Bolan: Has there been any obstacles you have had to overcome in your career?
Justin Henderson: I’ve been through a lot. I’m not a player that is a 4 or 5-star recruit. I had to make my way up from prep and Juco. Even when I got there, I got redshirted. I felt like I was doing everything right, but I came late. With that adversity I could have given up, but I didn’t. I told myself I wouldn’t give up on something I love.
Brendan Bolan: What do you love outside of football?
Justin Henderson: I’m a man of God. I read the bible every day. I can’t go a day without putting that in my repertoire. I also love watching sports like basketball and golf. I’d like to be a golfer someday. I like watching UFC too.
Brendan Bolan: What makes you a great teammate?
Justin Henderson: Putting it all on the line. It ain’t about you. They are worried about the team. A good teammate is someone that leads without trying. Lead by example. You can’t worry about yourself.
Brendan Bolan: What makes you unique?
Justin Henderson: I have the ability to jump over people. Because I’m 5’9, it surprises people that I have the ability to leap over people.
Brendan Bolan: What five things best describe you?
Justin Henderson: God fearing man, perseverance, drive, humble, and team.
