In this live recruiting update, the no. 3 edge in the country, Pensacola (Fla.) Catholic standout Trenton Henderson makes his way to The Michigan Insider studio for an exclusive interview with Sam Webb to recap his Michigan visit and give an overview of his recruitment. Henderson reflects upon his rise as one of the nation’s top defenders, then discusses his Michigan interest. He sheds light on his burgeoning connection with Lou Esposito, and shares his thoughts on Michigan’s scheme and track record for player development. The conversation concludes with Henderson laying out his decision-criteria, visit plans, and his decision timeline.
Sam Webb: “I was looking at what you said about Michigan, and you were talking about the NFL talent that they produce. So, I was more curious about what put Michigan on your radar in the first place. How did they get your attention, a guy in the deep South in SEC country, how did they get on your radar to begin with?
Trenton Henderson: “Coach Espo. He recruited me (when) he was at Memphis. Him and my coach are actually like friends. So, he came up here, and I really didn’t expect Michigan to be how it was when I got here. It’s beautiful here. It’s nice.
In the excerpt below, Henderson goes in depth about his interest in Michigan.
To view the interview in its entirety, press play on the video embed at the bottom of the story.
Sam Webb: “So, it was really the connection initially with Coach Espo that got your attention?”
Trenton Henderson: “Yes, sir.”
Sam Webb: “So, what’s the vibe like (with Coach Esposito)? Let’s talk about him first. What’s the connection like with him?
Trenton Henderson: “He’s just a chill guy. He’s a real players coach. He’s a player’s coach… That’s what I like about him. He’s a player’s coach.”
Sam Webb: “And so clearly before he got here, they’ve had some dudes come through the defensive line over the last couple of years. Have you been able to look into that more since you’ve (started looking) into Michigan?
Trenton Henderson: “Yes, sir. I’ve looked at a lot of that. That’s a big reason I like this school… because, basically if you come here, put your head down, and work, you got a great shot at making it to the NFL just off of you being at Michigan and being a d-lineman.”
Sam Webb: “And so now you said you’ve been here (and) it’s beautiful here. What have been your impressions of everything that you’ve seen? What specifically have you liked about it?
Trenton Henderson: “Well, I liked it, Coach Wink and Coach Esposito… how they’re both players coaches. That’s what really stood out to me. And just the program itself, like real disciplined. You’ve got to be on time. It’s real disciplined.”
Sam Webb: “You got a chance to see practice. What stood out to you, if anything, about practice?”
Trenton Henderson: “Just how it’s constant work. It’s fast at practice.”
Sam Webb: “Coach Moore (has) made a priority of recruiting you. What have been your impressions of Coach Moore?”
Trenton Henderson: “I’ve talked to Coach Moore a couple of times. I talk to him later today. But he seems laid back. and I’m laid back myself. So, I feel like that’s a good thing.
Sam Webb: “So, as you’ve looked into Michigan and the defense, give me an idea of how they said they would use you?”
Trenton Henderson: They said they would use me as their rush in. Kind of how (Derrick Moore) plays for them.”
Sam Webb: “And so now you’ve gotten the chance to kind of see some things, some aspects of the program, what still do you need to find out about Michigan? This is your first time up here. I imagine they’re trying to get you on an official…”
Trenton Henderson: “Yes, sir.”
Sam Webb: “So, what more do you still need to see about Michigan as you look ahead?”
Trenton Henderson: “Really just how this season goes and how everything plays out.”
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