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Paris, Texas Running Back Jessie Henderson Headed to SMU
SMU Adds Key Verbal
By Josh Clark

Big 12 Recruiting Analyst

Even with offers from Big 12 programs, Jessie Henderson wasted no time this morning in making a verbal commitment to SMU and Coach Phil Bennett.

Coach Phil Bennett is rapidly making noise down in Texas in putting SMU in contention against several Big 12 powers in the Lone Star state. After gaining the commitment of TE Vincent Chase earlier this spring, SMU gained another huge commitment this morning from RB Jessie Henderson.

"I verbally committed to SMU this morning," Jessie said. "It feels real good to have it over with as I feel a lot of pressure has been taken off my back. I chose SMU over Arkansas and Texas Tech."

Jessie also held an offer from the Kansas Jayhawks. Ultimately, why did Jessie choose the Mustangs over what many woiuld believe to be greener pastures?

"Everything seemed right at SMU, and I really like Coach Bennett. It is close to home for me, and they are going to give me the chance to play running back."

Certainly for Jessie Henderson and other Texas prospects, there may be no greener pasture than SMU.

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I hope every prospect in Texas reads the last sentence of that story!

coach jerry bennett has done it again. first jamie harper...last year ricky joe meeks and company and now reaching into east texas for henderson. if you havent seen him play, he is a treat. he is as fast in pads as he is without. lots of guys run good times in shorts...henderson runs that way all the time pads or not.

Jerry Bennett should get some kind of award at the football banquet for his recruiting prowess.

When is Rivals going to update their rankings? Jessie Henderson is only a 2 star, and Vincent Chase only a 3 star? These guys are both 4 star guys.

I saw one service that had Henderson as a 3-star and Chase as a 4-star, but I can't remember which site that was on. If I can figure it out, I'll come back and post it.

Vincent Chase certainly got offers that would indicate that he is a potential 4 star recruit. Because of Henderson's lack of height and the fact that so far he hasn't got more than 3 offers the recruiting services may have some justification for not giving Henderson 3 stars just yet. Rivals doesn't rate players based upon playing in the WAC but also in the Big 12 where generally larger skill position players are preferred. So you may see them wait to raise Henderson to 3 stars.

Henderson was Roark's guy but we should congratulate Jerry as well.