Interview: 2022 LB/TE Kaden Henley has Smashed Shiloh Christian to a No. 1 Seed in Playoffs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Every thriving high school football team has at least one guy the players and coaches can count on to do anything and everything to help secure victories. For Arkansas’ Shiloh Christian, that player is Class of 2022 linebacker and tight end/H-back Kaden Henley.

Henley broke through on the varsity ranks as a freshman in Lawton, Oklahoma, carrying that dominating mentality with him to Springdale. A coach’s son, Henley’s skills, technique, and understanding of the game instantly pop on film. As the Saints worked through a 6-1 season securing a No. 1 seed in the playoffs, their 6-2.5, 225-pound, athlete was handing out headaches and backside grass stains on both sides of the ball. The seven-game stats at linebacker: 107 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, and a pick. On offense, 35 pancakes and four knockdowns.

Ahead of the Saints first 2020 postseason game, Henley visited the RNG Lab for a one-on-one conversation.

Interview

Kaden, there is an energy you bring to the field that has to be contiguous to the rest of the defense. What lights your fire on Fridays to play at such a high level delivering the big hits?

I’ve grown up around football. For me, there is nothing more exciting than to go play. My role models have been high school players, I am trying to be like them.

Looks like the defensive scheme may change game to game depending on the team. What are some of the looks the Saints are giving offenses in 2020?

On defense we have a dime personal with a three-man front; some call it a monster. We have an extra defensive back on the field who can play linebacker and drop into coverage. Against the spread teams we run that, and we think we are pretty good at it. If a team is running a Wing T, we will get into a 4-2-5, If someone is trying to run the football against us, that is what we do.

As that inside linebacker, what are your responsibilities in the set?

It depends on the formation they are in. If there are in trips, I am a pass-RPO guy. I am in the box reading. What I do all depends on that team’s offense. We are complex defensive scheme that is fun to run.

It is harder to avoid an inside linebacker, but what are you seeing from different offenses on how they scheme against you or try to limit your action in a game?

A lot of times they get in trips to make it lighter in the box. In our 4-2-5, they will go trips to the boundary leaving us one man short. Then I have to go out of the box and that is when they run the football.

Beyond your big hits, I don’t see false steps and you read plays quickly. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game on defense?

Understanding what is going on in defense. I am a coach’s son. I have grown up around football, so I know what we are doing, and I can see everything in my head. Knowing what everyone is doing, that is what helps me. I’m very physical in run fits. I am hard to block and I come downhill fast. Also, I can get under passes in the passing game in my zone coverages.

Are you playing on offense this season?

Yes, sir. I just asked my coach on Saturday about my offensive stats, I have 35 pancakes and four knockdowns.

Do you know your yardage stats?

I am not sure on my receiving and running stats.

Which positions are you playing?

H-back, tight end, and fullback depending on the formation.

How are you being utilized on offense? What all are you doing at the various positions?

At H-back I counter a lot. They have me blocking the backside kicking out the end or the linebacker. We run a gap scheme. If I am pulling or kicking the end, they are running behind me. In our heavy set, I’m at quarterback. We go get a yard on fourth-and-1. They have some pass plays for me to get some receptions.

Which game has been your personal best overall this season?

Statistically, the Elkins game. I had 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for a los, and five or six pancakes on offense. That game was fun. We were down 21-7 halftime and then went on a 49-7 run to win the game.

Nice. DeWitt is on the schedule next, what kind of game are you expecting from their offense?

We play them in two weeks in the playoffs. They have a tight end committed to Arkansas. The goal is to not let him get the football. They will give us their best shot. We have to go in and execute to win the game.

How is the playoff seeding shaping up?

We got the No. 1 seed.

As you guys are entering the playoffs, which teams are showing recruiting interest in you?

New Mexico, I have talked to their coach a lot, Akron, Rice, and Yale.

When visits are allowed again next year, are there any schools you’d like to go see?

I want to visit any school that has shown interest in me and wants me. I want to play football, and I don’t care where or what level.

Kaden, it was great covering ground with you today. Wishing you and the Saints success in the playoffs.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Henley family; Kaden Henley