National Scouting Combine Feature: Rickey Henderson, CB from Henderson State University

Rickey Henderson | Henderson State University | CB 

Q: Tell us about your sports career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like?

A: I have always been a valuable asset. I’ve been on special teams and back up for running back and corner back. Whenever my number has been called because of an injury I have gotten the job done. Throughout my career I’ve always been the underdog so I had to always worked harder than my peers. My recruiting process was not so good, I’ve never been a starter but because of my work ethic I never go unnoticed. During my breakout season my junior year I dealt with injuries and suffered an ACL injury that stopped me from getting the attention that I would have had if I had been healthy.  

 

Q: Did you play in college and if so, who did you play for? What was your experience like?

A: Henderson State University. The previous question sums up the experience. I came in as a running back and was moved to corner back after 2 years but I started on special teams and dominated there my Junior redshirt year. Also had two interceptions my Junior year. The hard work started to pay off. I battled with having a different Coach every semester of my career. My college experience wasn’t the best but it built me up to overcome adversity.  

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: Playing cornerback for the first time and coming from playing horribly at the new position to becoming great at it was my biggest accomplishment. I also ended up with all conference for special teams. 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from your coach(es)

A: Never complain  

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A: Hard worker, Physical, Quick, Smart, Persistent, Respectful, encouraging, Self-motivated, Strong  

Throughout my career I’ve always been the underdog so I had to always worked harder than my peers.

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A: First career start & the game that determined if we would play for the conference championship ended up being a success. A hard fought game and I made plays on special teams and had a crucial interception in the 4th quarter to seal the win.  

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: The move to cornerback. I kept my eyes on progress and understood that no matter how many times I fell I can do anything if I keep working hard and never gave up. 

Q: Who was the best player you played against anytime during your career?

A: Lake Ridge Jett Duffey 

Q: If you could compare yourself to any pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A: Ray Lewis. I love to be fast and physical. I don’t fear nobody and I want them to know my name at the end of the game. I keep my head up to God and I do what I do for my family.  

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A: I give a 110% in a I do. My self motivation makes others work hard around me. My loyalty has been used against me a lot but it’s the the best thing about me. It helps me with the strong relationships I’m able to build with teammates and any coach I’ve been presented with. I want to be Great and no matter what others are doing I choose to do what’s right and best for the team despite how I may feel.  

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A: I am not involved in anything but I keep my eyes on God. I give when I can. Being a part of the Henderson football team put me in positions to help in the community with Food drives at the churches and activities with special needs. With more to give I’ll have an opportunity to do more for others in need. I have to improve myself to make the contributions to the community that I would love to make. Giving is much better than receiving. I’ve experienced years of good living and I’ve come to a point of my life where I’m more satisfied with selfless acts.  

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: I love to dance and spend time with family and friends. Always being busy blinds you from the most important things in life.  

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A: The importance of loving women properly. They are the source of life and love for men. Our youth and the men of the world would become better individuals. Empowering the women will help guide generations towards more love and unity. When that father fails that woman makes everything better. 

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: I really can’t say. I’m very observant and I take the good from everyone I meet. We are all human so I try not to idolize. If I had to choose it’ll be Ray Lewis. I love the love he has for his mother and family. Resilience is always admirable  

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: My Self Control  

 

Q: If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?

A: Boxing 

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: I always wanted to be a football player. Been my dream all my life. I currently don’t work now just so I can fully focus on it. 

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National Scouting Combine Posts

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My experience at the National Scouting Combine was an extremely positive one. Coming from a small school (Bryant University – Division I AA), opportunities to showcase my athleticism and measurables to pro scouts were scarce. However, Jimmy and his team gave me that opportunity when they put together a first-class event, in an outstanding venue and invited hundreds of players that had been overlooked or just wanted the opportunity to showcase their abilities. The connections, advice and coaching I received at the 2018 National Scouting Combine were priceless, as many pro scouts and coaches began to get in contact with me during and immediately after the combine. Jimmy and his team did an outstanding job of incorporating new, cutting edge technologies into the combine, while inviting well-respected coaches, scouts and former professional players to run the drills and provide coaching. Jimmy provided me with a platform to chase my dream of playing professional football that I would not otherwise have had, and in turn is part of the reason why many CFL teams took interest in me, why I was invited to Rookie Minicamps with the Jets and Texans and why I have now signed with the Orlando Apollo’s of the new Alliance of American Football League. The invitation to the 2018 National Scouting Combine was a blessing to me and my career and I would recommend any and all small school or overlooked college football player to attend and take advantage of this combine that, with Jimmy leading it, will continue to get better every single year.
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