Henderson made change for the better

A Kennedy becomes a politician. Baldwins are actors, Wayans are comedians. It seems the Hendersons are linebackers at Maryland.

Erin Henderson had a passing thought of being the Terrapins quarterback. It lasted a whole week before Henderson crossed the field. Genetics called him home to the position where older brother E.J. Henderson starred from 1999-2002.

E.J. Henderson was a two-time All-American and perhaps second only to Randy White as the Terps best defense player ever.Erin Henderson earned preseason All-American honors after gaining All-ACC second team last season. He’s 6-foot-3, 236 pounds with two seasons remaining. What was anybody thinking when putting Henderson behind center?

“I had every intention of playing quarterback here,” he said. “It was something I felt I could have accomplished in time. But the first day they told me I was going to play linebacker, I was done with the quarterback thing. It’s a humbling experience. You have to understand everybody was an all-star at their high school. You have to put your ego aside and start at the bottom just like freshman year at high school.”

Coach Ralph Friedgen understood Henderson’s dilemma. Friedgen was a heralded high school passer, but became a guard after finding himself among seven freshman quarterbacks at Maryland in 1965. Maybe that’s why he gives freshmen a chance to play wherever they want.

“After awhile, they see that there’s two of every other position and one quarterback,” Friedgen said. “I ask if they’re ready to make the move. They say yes. All of a sudden, they get into a new role.”

Henderson led Aberdeen High to a Maryland state championship at quarterback and linebacker. He threw 20 touchdowns and ran for 883 yards as a senior. However, Henderson couldn’t reach those wideouts on the edge in college and was shuffled far back in the quarterback rotation in camp.

Henderson quickly moved on to his second love. Still, he kept the No. 1 jersey and the passer’s mentality. That may be his secret to anticipating the ball. The quarterback’s eyes are the window to the play and Henderson has looked through the helmet towards receivers himself.

“I did a good job bringing [the offense’s knowledge] over to the defense understanding what offenses are looking for,” he said. “That’s something I never would have understood if I hadn’t played quarterback even for that little bit I did.”

Henderson missed 2005 with a torn ACL, but returned last season as a standout weakside linebacker. His brother still points out flaws during family film sessions, but the two have grown closer after missing each other in College Park by one season. Maybe they’ll someday play together in the pros.

“[The NFL’s] in the very, very back of my mind,” Henderson said.

Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].