So. Florida's Impact Freshman: Doral Academy (FL) DB/CB Harry Henderson
DORAL, FLA. -- The Firebirds' are gradually piecing together the future of their football program -- with a "cream of the crop" underclassmen roster that consist of: Champagnat Catholic transfer 4-Star sophomore WR Breion Fuller, Generation Nexxt's All-South Florida 1st Team running back Shemar Paul and arguably So. Florida's Top eight-graders (Class of 2021) - WR Khalil Brantley (6'1", 165) and South Florida's premier CB Timothy Burns Jr. (5'9", 150) that will start on varsity this fall.
Doral Academy made another splash with the addition of Pop Warner Div. 1 National Champion [Gwen Cherry Bulls Jr. Midgets] outside linebacker Harry Henderson. The speedy edge-rusher with speed of a skilled position -- was named to the highly regarded -- Generation Nexxt's All-South Florida 1st Team. Which represents So. Florida's finest Top 35 overall eight-graders.
The same prestigious honors the Firebirds' 4-Star WR Breion Fuller was named to entering high school just to shed light on the recognition. Henderson was responsible for over 50 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 10 pass deflections, 3 force fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 blocked punt. I'm not making these numbers up folks, and not to mention, the majority of their games were called early, due to the mercy rule.
Left Pictured: Harry Henderson post-game picture in Pop Warner Nationals
Last fall Henderson helped his youth football team go undefeated and captured the Pop Warner Division 1 National Championship. Henderson dominated vs. Naperville Chargers (Chicago, Illinois) by blocking one punt, recorded two sacks and registering ten tackles live on ESPN3.
The speedy edge-rusher would later be chosen to participate in the Miami Dolphins' Dade vs. Broward All-Stars Game -- starting at strong side defensive end for the Dade All-Stars.
This off-season, Henderson, standing 6-feet, 160 pounds made a smooth transition from outside linebacker to free safety. He would start on the Firebirds' varsity 7-on-7 football team and make noise roaming the centered field and lining up at cornerback.
Henderson caught two crunch-time interceptions, which helped the Firebirds' advance to University of Central Florida 7-on-7 Tournament finals. University of Florida football coaches' would seek information after the eight-grader performance during one-on-one's and clocking a hand-timed 4.68 40-yard dash.
Right Pictured: Harry Henderson SR. and Harry Henderson Jr.
The tall and rangy incoming ninth-grader -- continued to show his upside at his new position -- by catching five interceptions, rotating from free safety and cornerback the first week of practice in full gear.
His father' Harry Henderson Sr. who stands 6-foot-2 -- speculated his son vertical growth considering both sides of the family genes, he should grow between 6-foot-2 at the least and 6-foot-4 at best.
Here's a young man that already possesses football subdivision measurables as far as height and long arms. As he continue to fill out (muscle) and learn the position, the sky is the limit. Henderson will literally learn from the pros, with 12-year NFL veteran David Bowens, as the defensive coordinator. Henderson, will start at free safety and on special teams (Gunner, kick off) this season.
Jerry Williamson thoughts on Harry Henderson:
"Here's an incoming ninth-grader that will catch college football programs eyes early, standing 6-feet, with long arms and having the versatility to play both CB & DB. Once, productive varsity film is in the books and more time in the weight room, expect multiple D1-FBS offers down the line."
