Erin Henderson, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect
 | Outside Linebacker 6' 3" 236 lbs. Speed: NA Junior  |
By: John L. Clarke
If you are at Byrd Stadium and you hear “tackle by Henderson” don’t be alarmed, you did not go back in time to 2002. E.J. Henderson might have left University of Maryland as a Butkus and Bednarik awards winner, but he left his brother, Erin, to reclaim both awards for the Terrapins. Although younger, Erin could never be confused as the “little” brother at 6’3 (E.J. is 6’1).
Erin originally came to Maryland as his brother was being selected to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He came in as a quarterback/linebacker, because the coach were not sure which position he would excel at after being excellent at both in high school. Due to his pedigree, half way through his red shirt freshman season he was switched to linebacker permanently. He would quickly establish himself as a budding defensive star.
After his red shirt season, Henderson had positioned himself to start for the defense until a torn ACL knocked him out for the rest of the year. As 2006 approached, so did the chance for Erin to prove that he was just as good as his brother. A tall order, since E.J. was a 2 time All American and Defensive MVP for the ACC in 2002. Erin, however, is quickly making his mark as well. Erin led the Terrapins with 114 tackles, a sack and 2 interceptions. He was honored last year with 2nd team All-ACC honors at outside linebacker.
This season, (2007), Henderson had an outstanding over all performance, he finished ranked 8th in the nation in tackles with an amazing 133. He also recorded 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 passes defended and 4 fumble recoveries.
Already declared for the 2008 NFL Draft, he certainly has all the skills to compete with other starting linebackers. At 6’3 and 236 lbs., he has the size to play either weak side or strong side linebacker spots. He plays in space very well and is a sure tackler. His instincts appear to be fantastic, as he can diagnose plays fairly quickly, probably due to his time at quarterback. He sees the field very well, and has great change of direction and hands for dropping into coverage.
He still needs to play with better technique and shed blocks a little better, both of which can be improved upon if he returns for his senior year. He has really good straight line speed and even better quickness. He has definitely move up the charts this year. If he performs well at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, he will probably be 2nd round or early 3rd round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.