With acknowledgment to his status as the No. 1 prep football recruit in the country, Cretin Derham-Hall coach Mike Scanlan told Sports Headliners on Sunday that Raiders offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson could be “king of the Twin Cities” if Henderson decides to play for the Gophers.
Scanlan said Henderson, about 6-8, 330, will visit 2008 national champion Florida this weekend. Rated the No. 1 prep prospect in the country regardless of position by Rivals. com and others, Henderson made an official recruiting visit to Southern California last weekend.
Scanlan was asked if he had insight about where Henderson will attend college. “No, I really don’t know,” he answered. “I do think, though, the Gophers are in the mix. He might not have made an official visit there but I think there’s a lure of staying close to home, and kind of if he signs with the U he’s king of the Twin Cities automatically.
“I like their line coach Tim Davis. Seems like a good guy. The head man I don’t pay as much attention to as your position coach because that’s who you’re going to live with and watch films so to speak. So you gotta be able to get along with him, and I think Davis would be a good guy to play for, and I think Seantrel realizes that, too.”
Henderson reportedly will wait to announce his college choice in early February when high school players are allowed written commitments. Scanlan believes Henderson’s focus is presently on these schools: Florida, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Southern California.
Asked if he expects Henderson to qualify academically for his college choice, Scanlan said: “I think so. He’s still working hard (in the classroom). …”
Henderson was invaluable in helping the Raiders to the state title. Scanlan said that when the Raiders had to play without injured quarterback Mark Alt, Henderson’s run blocking was vital to the team’s success. His pass blocking was perfect during the season, not giving up a sack in 230 attempts.
Henderson was named state Player of the Year by the Associated Press, although other news outlets chose different players for that honor. “I think the true worth of his athletic ability is being demonstrated by the college attention that he is getting,” Scanlan said.