CJ Henderson tied for the team lead with four interceptions as a true freshman last season. (Photo: Matt Stamey/UAA Communications)
Five Questions with ... Gators cornerback CJ Henderson
Monday, August 6, 2018 | Football, Scott Carter
It's not going to happen. In fact, someone standing out of earshot would be unable to decipher if Henderson was talking about mowing the yard or returning an interception 41 yards in the first college game of his career last season against Michigan.
CJ Henderson with another pick 6. @HendersonChris_ #ChompVille Go #Gators! pic.twitter.com/uFL2MN3T6e
— UFSwampaholics 🐊 (@UFSwampaholics) September 2, 2017
While Henderson might not get too revved up about his ability, Florida fans are excited to see what the sophomore cornerback from Miami does in Year 2.
Does Henderson feel added pressure?
"Not at all. Growing up, this is what you live for, what you expect coming into college,'' he said. "This is our chance."
Henderson burst onto the scene in 2017 with a 41-yard interception return for a score to put Florida ahead of Michigan in the season opener. The Gators ended up losing, but the following week, Henderson picked off a pass against Tennessee and returned it 16 yards for a score.
PICK. SIX.
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 16, 2017
Third pick of the day for @GatorsFB.
Their third pick six of the season. pic.twitter.com/AfB7fBziIs
Henderson became the first true freshman in school history to return interceptions for touchdowns in back-to-back games and earned second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press.
Henderson and fellow sophomore Marco Wilson give the Gators one of the top young cornerback tandems in the country.
Here is our Q&A with Henderson as the Gators head toward their fifth practice of preseason camp on Tuesday:
Q: How different was this summer compared to any other related to football?
A: I felt like I got better both on the field and off the field. I got to know coaches, defensive schemes, training. This was probably the hardest summer I ever went through. Probably the best training and conditioning stuff that I have ever been through also.
Q: What area will you be improved in the most in the first game compared to a year ago?
A: Game situations. I just went out there and played, being a freshman. It was probably my first game playing mostly corner. I really didn't pay attention to game situations, whether it's third-and-4, what kind of routes should you expect.
Q: What did those interceptions in your first two college games do for your confidence?
A: My confidence was already up, growing up in South Florida and competing every week. Going against guys like that, that's where you gain your confidence.
Q: What do you and Marco have to do to reach another level as sophomores?
A: I think the coaches are expecting me and him to be more vocal leaders on this team, to lead the younger guys under us, just like we were led last year. I know they expect us to have a big role on this defense.
Q: Who is the most difficult receiver for you to cover at practice?
A: Van Jefferson. He is a very smooth guy. He gets in and out of his breaks.
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