Interview: 2021 ATH/WR Calvin Henderson Jr. is Preparing for Another Big Season with Richwood
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
In 2018, Richwood High School, located in Monroe (LA) battled through a 2-8 campaign with the Rams two wins coming against Carroll (24-23) and Madison (42-0). One of the rising stars on the field who is helping lead Richwood to a turn around season in 2019 is junior athlete Calvin “CJ” Henderson Jr. The 6’3”, 170-pound, playmaker spent time in the secondary and as a return man for the Rams but stood out as a wide receiver where he was named First Team All-District after his sophomore season a year ago. On defense, Henderson had one interception making tackles all over the field while on offense had 650 all-purpose yards.
The Class of 2021 prospect already has two college offers but is also drawing interest from some SEC schools including Kentucky and LSU. Henderson still has two years left in high school with goals of leading the Rams to playoffs and winning the state title.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with the Richwood playmaker to discuss his high school career and early recruiting process.
Interview
First off, CJ what are your thoughts on the 2018 season?
“I feel like in the 2018 season we should have performed better and won more games. We had a lot of younger players that had to step up. I feel like the 2018 season helped us a lot because we learned what we have to do to be successful. We saw that there are teams with talent just like us so we have to work extremely hard in the off-season to get better.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance last year?
“Last season I feel like I really stepped up as a player and found my game. I was nervous being a varsity starter on offense and defense as a sophomore, but I believe that as the season went on, I grew up and matured into a more polished player.”
What was your memorable moment in 2018?
“My most memorable moment of 2018 had to be my first ever varsity touchdown. It was a 40-yard reception against Red River.”
Did you earn any individual honors for your play in 2018?
“My individual honors included All-District first team as a wide receiver and Northeast Louisiana Small School First Team.”
Do you have any college offers?
“I currently I have two offers; Vermilion College and Texas Southern University.”
Are there any other schools showing you interest?
“LSU, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State, Kentucky and Louisiana-Monroe.”
Did you go to any camps this summer?
“Yes, quite a few including Louisiana Tech, Southern, LSU and Southern Miss.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the football field would have to be my speed, strength, leaping ability and catching ability.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“My fastest 40-yard dash time was 4.53, and that was at the Southern Miss camp.”
Which current NFL player would you compare yourself too?
“Right now, I would compare myself to a player like Davante Adams (Green Bay) because he has great speed and hands. Also, he can play in the slot or on the outside like me.”
Who is your favorite football team?
“The New Orleans Saints.”
What did you work on the most this summer?
“I mostly worked on routes and being able to change directions at a fast pace. I also worked on how to come out of my breaks smoother.”
What are your team and individual goals for the 2019 season?
“As an individual, my main goal is to be a better player than I was last season and keep building on to my college campaign. As a team, our goal is to be playing after Thanksgiving, which is the quarterfinals and semifinals. Also, we intend to win the state title.”
Which game on the new schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“I’m most looking forward to playing Carroll.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Joshua 1:9.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: twitter.com/@CalvinH100; Richwood ATH Calvin Henderson Jr
Photo credit: twitter.com/@CalvinH100; Richwood ATH Calvin Henderson Jr