Story on Jessie Henderson

[Thumper]

Henderson verbally commits to SMU

By Van Hilburn
The Paris News

Published August 05, 2003

Jessie Henderson would have been the area's most highly recruited football player this year, but probably not after this morning's decision.

The Paris Wildcats' senior tailback made a verbal commentment this morning to attend Southern Methodist University, ending speculation on where he wants play after high school.

Henderson, and no other player, can officially sign with any NCAA college until Wednesday, Feb. 4, National Signing Day. But it does take some of the pressure off of him for the upcoming senior season.

The 5-8, 166-pound senior led Paris and the Red River Valley in rushing last year, gaining 1,396 yards on only 174 carries (8.05 average) and scoring 15 touchdowns. In three seasons he has compiled almost 3,000 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns.

He's also the fastest player in the Red River Valley with a 4.3-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 10.45 time in the 100-meters.

Henderson said he was impressed with SMU coach Phil Bennett and his program after visiting the campus.

"I think it will be a great place for me to go to school. I mean it's close to home and a great place for me to play running back," said Henderson.

"I tell you what, SMU coaches did a great job (of recruiting Henderson)," Paris coach Brent Southworth said. "They really wanted him there. I'm very excited for Jessie. I think it's a great opportunity for him. I think when talking with Jessie and his family, they said how nice it is to have the recruiting process behind him. Now he can concentrate on his senior year."

Henderson is the Wildcats' top returning player from a team that went 6-4 last year and is picked to finish first in District 11-4A by Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine. He was among Texas Football's Top 20 returning running backs in the state.

He's also listed as one of the top returning players with Texas PrepXtra, Max Emflinger's 2004 National Blue Chip Players, Don Cartwright's Lone Star Top 100, and Inside Texas Top 100.

[Corso]

Insiders says he'll play WR in college, while he says RB. Wonder which is true?

Get him on campus - then find a place for him.

[PerunaPunch]

Heck, with 4.3 speed he can play both spots... at the same time.

Too bad Donald Massey is still on the fence. We need another recruit with that kind of speed if for no other reason than to provide downfield blocking. LOL.

[Stallion]

hopefully as we saw last year recruiting momentum will open up even more doors. Its a lot easier to recruit when you know who will be in your class and you have an opportunity to meet some of the commitments. That's why I have never been a fan of those that prefer silent commitments to hide prospects.

[GoRedGoBlue]

I assume they meant to say that NO ONE can officially sign UNTIL Feb 4th, 2004...

"Henderson, and no other player, can officially sign with any NCAA college until Wednesday, Feb. 4, National Signing Day. But it does take some of the pressure off of him for the upcoming senior season"

[HorsePower]

Ha! You noticed that too, huh?

Apparently they're there to tell us about Paris football players who are headed to SMU, not diagram sentences. And as long as they do the former, I don't care about the latter.

[Vitale]

8 yards per carry is great, against any competition. I bet there are a lot of long breakaway touchdowns factored in there.

[FloridaMustang]

He's just the kind of back we need. Kinda of reminds me of Anthony Barnett. Personally I think Bennett prefers taller wideouts, so I'd think he'd try him at RB and CB. I'd love to be able to rotate three backs out there after KK leaves: Massey, Henderson, and Fitz. Am I missing anyone?

[MustangFan]

Not unless McKinney stays at RB.

[Roach]

Don't forget Foy Munlin