'10 MN OL Seantrel Henderson

[Heavystarch]

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Cretin Derham Hall (MN) St. Paul

Ht: 6-foot-8
Wt: 301 lbs

Originally Posted by Scout Bio

Won the 1,500 meter, shotput and discus in the USATF 2004 Minnesota Junior Olympics Outdoor Championships.

TwinCities.com

Henderson, 16, already has offers from Notre Dame, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Gophers.

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http://www.twincities.com/ci_7765024?source=most_viewed

Ohio State, which recently landed Eden Prairie's Willie Mobley, has made 6-7, 303-pound Cretin-Derham Hall sophomore offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson its No. 1 recruiting target for 2010.

[GoRU]

http://www.twincities.com/ci_7807891

You can't miss Seantrel Henderson walking around Cretin-Derham Hall. He is the 6-foot-7, 300-pound sophomore who towers over classmates.

You can't miss him on the basketball court or football field, either.

In basketball, he's dominant in the low post and has averaged 12 points a game in the Raiders' first two victories of the season.

In football, he is considered a can't-miss college recruit.

The fleet-footed offensive lineman helped pave the way for Cretin-Derham Hall's offense, which produced more than 6,000 yards and averaged 47 points a game en route to a runner-up finish in Class AAAAA.

Before Henderson even played a down at the varsity level, University of Minnesota football coach Tim Brewster saw his potential and offered a scholarship through the Cretin-Derham Hall coaching staff. Henderson also has been offered scholarships by Wisconsin, Iowa and Notre Dame, and Ohio State has made him its No. 1 recruiting target for 2010.

"If you thought the recruiting of (teammate) Michael Floyd was something, just wait when Seantrel comes along,'' Cretin-Derham Hall assistant coach Andy Bischoff said.

Cretin-Derham Hall coach Mike Scanlan said Henderson is the first sophomore from the school to get a college offer.

"I feel like, geez, let him first get a date for the Silver Bell (dance) before you offer him a scholarship,'' Scanlan said.

You likely won't miss Henderson on future Sundays in the NFL, according to Cretin-Derham Hall assistant coach Ray Hitchcock, a center for the Super Bowl champion 1987 Washington Redskins. He said Henderson has the size, talent and mind-set to excel in the NFL. Hitchcock puts him in the same sentence with Joe Jacoby, a former Pro Bowl lineman who was a teammate of Hitchcock's.

Henderson acknowledges his future appears bright.

"It's flattering that people would like me to play at their schools and that I might be good enough someday to play at the highest level,'' said Henderson, who has a 2.70 grade-point average. "Really, I haven't accomplished anything yet. I have to continue to challenge myself academically and physically. To get to those places, you have to work hard and have focus.''

Henderson, who said he has grown two inches a year since fourth grade, grew up in North Minneapolis. Now a St. Paul resident, he said he momentarily questioned his decision to attend Cretin-Derham Hall on his first day at the school. He also had considered attending DeLaSalle in Minneapolis.

While walking in a school hallway, a senior girl inadvertently bumped into him. Seeing the imposing figure of the gentle giant, she spun around and ran away. Confused at the time, Henderson chuckles about it now.

"She was scared,'' Henderson said. "I asked myself, 'Why was she running?' Then I realized I am bigger than a lot of people. I am very comfortable at Cretin-Derham Hall. It is a welcoming place. There are really good people here.''

"When he was younger," said Bree Jasper, Henderson's mother, "other kids would tease him quite a bit and call him names because he was so big. He has grown into a very well-mannered, respectful kid.''

Actually, he hasn't stopped growing.

Jasper said a doctor determined he could grow two to three more inches.

"I think it is exciting to know that I am probably not done growing," Henderson said. "I would like to get bigger. That gives me an advantage.''

Throw in his desire to add 30 pounds by working out, and that would put him in the category of Minnesota Vikings lineman Bryant McKinnie, who is 6-8, 335 pounds. Henderson met McKinnie while in eighth grade.

"He is a big fella that I really enjoy watching,'' Henderson said. "He does a nice job of moving people off the line. When I met him, he told me to make sure I had a good work ethic. He said if I keep running and stay in shape, I can go a lot of places.''

Developing standout offensive linemen is nothing new at Cretin-Derham Hall. Also passing through were future NFLers Matt Birk, Corbin Lacina, Derek Engler and Ryan Harris.

"In addition to being refrigerator huge, he has all the tools and talents to be one of the all-time greats,'' Scanlan said.

Though run blocking is Henderson's strength, his pass blocking has college scouts drooling.

"He is so nimble and athletic,'' Bischoff said. "You tie that physical ability together with a mentality that he has to grasp difficult schemes, and that is quite a player.''

Said Hitchcock: "He can dance on a light bulb. He's that kind of player that moves like he is 220 pounds. He is a young man that has been given a gift. He is a special kid because of his ability. His physical ability will carry him, but it is his ability to read and study the game that really makes him special.

"I am big on how a guy carries himself. With all the attention, he could be aloof, but he is just the opposite. I don't see that changing. There is no science to what he needs to do to reach the top level. We have an 8,000-square-foot weight room that he needs to lock himself into.''

Raiders assistant basketball coach Arvesta Kelly said Henderson has been blessed with physical talents.

"It is a God-given gift to be able to move like he does,'' Kelly said. "He just moves so well for a big man. He is so effective down low because of his quick feet and the ability to use that size.''

With the recruiting process in progress, Henderson said he is prepared to handle the pressures that go with it. He also is leaving open the possibility of selecting a college that would allow him to play football and basketball. He acknowledges, however, that his long-term emphasis is football.

When asked what recruiting advice he would offer Henderson, Floyd, a wide receiver and Notre Dame recruit, said: "Just keep doing well in school. You don't get many chances like this. Just focus on getting better and listen to your coaches. They know what is going on and can give really good advice. You can't think you are the best. You just have to keep on competing.''

[wadc45]

Tressel also visited Cretin-Derham Hall sophomore offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson, who already is a coveted 2010 recruit.

Mobley denies wavering on commitment

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The next big thing

The next big thing
Cretin-Derham Hall's Seantrel Henderson is drawing college recruiters to watch him play -- in football and basketball.

By John Millea
Last update: January 23, 2008

In the Michael Floyd recruiting derby, Ohio State was on the Cretin-Derham Hall wide receiver's final list of colleges before he committed to Notre Dame. It's important to note that Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, as much as he wanted Floyd, never paid a personal visit to his St. Paul high school.

Tressel, however, made a recent trip to Cretin-Derham Hall in pursuit of another athlete, sophomore offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson.

"He found his way in here the other day, just to show the flag," Raiders football coach Mike Scanlan said Tuesday. Other schools showing their flags to the 6-7, 305-pound Henderson include Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Notre Dame. Yes, the scholarship offers are pouring in.

The kid has grown two inches in the past year and a doctor told him he might hit 6-9.

"He has no fat on his body. He could carry 350 and not be fat. He's just starting to lift weights; this is all natural," Kline said.

Rivals $

1/22

From MinnesotaPreps...blog of the Hopkins vs. Cretin-Derham Hall basketball game.

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http://www.twincities.com/gophers/ci...nclick_check=1

Pssst: There's buzz that 6-7, 300-pound sophomore lineman Seantrell Henderson, who some scouts say could be the nation's top recruited prep football player in two years, is considering a transfer from Cretin-Derham Hall to either Totino-Grace, Holy Angels or DeLaSalle, as is his close pal, quarterback J.D. Pride Jr. A switch to another program for Henderson, though, is puzzling in that it could affect his development.

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Potential Henderson transfer could impact Stillwater


Stillwater boys' basketball coach Dennis Bloom and football coach Scott Hoffman might soon be getting some good news for the next two years.

Cretin-Derham Hall monster sophomore Seantrel Henderson -- who is expected to become a top football recruit nationally in the next year -- is rumored to be considering a transfer from the St. Paul school.

According to published reports in the Pioneer Press, Henderson and one of his close friends at the school may both transfer, possibly to Totino-Grace.

If this actually happens, of course, SEC teams will no longer have to worry about a player who is said to be Ohio State's top recruiting target for football in 2010. Henderson is averaging 11.5 points per game this season on the Cretin basketball team.

Lake Elmo Leader

[HotMic]

Scout $

3/17

From the Minny site. Boston College, Ohio State, Florida, and Iowa have offered.

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Rivals $

3/21

From the Minnesota site...rated the #3 basketball player in the state for 2010.

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Football's Second Season

In 30 years of evaluating high school football talent, I've never singled out an offensive lineman as the No. 1 player in the nation--until now.

Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden and Bill Fralic came close. But no cigar.

In my view, 6-7, 300-pound offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson of Crestin-Derham High School in St. Paul, Minn., is the No. 1 player in the class of 2010.

Henderson hails from the same school that produced Heisman Trophy winner Chris Wienke, American League batting chapion Joe Mauer and wide receiver Michael Floyd, who will be a freshman at Notre Dame next fall.

He has been offered by Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Florida, Iowa and Minnesota and USC will offer in May. He is only 15 years old. He has 4.7 speed, runs like a linebacker, has great feet, great athleticism, plays right and left tackle at times and looks thin at 300 pounds.

Barring injury, he will be a No. 1 choice in the NFL draft. Before his junior year, he will have 20 offers. Many schools got a jump on him because they noticed him while they were scouting Floyd last year. His teammate, lineman Joe Schafer, committed to Wisconsin--and Henderson is better than he is.

Continued...

[Bernini]

Gopher Hole Interview
Seantrel Henderson, Sophomore, Cretin-Derham High School

with Nadine Babu

GH: Where do you currently have offers for football?
SH: Notre Dame, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and Boston College.

GH: Do you have any offers for basketball?
SH: No, ma’am.

GH: Have you thought about playing both sports in college?
SH: I would like to.

GH: Have you talk to Coach Tubby Smith about the possibility of walking on to the basketball team at Minnesota?
SH: No, not yet.

GH: At the signing day event, Coach Tim Brewster said he planned on spending a lot of time at Cretin this year, what kind of contact have you had with him?
SH: There have been a few times when I’ve gone over to the U of MN and have sat down and talked to Coach Brewster. He’s a cool guy.

GH: Do you have any favorite schools?
SH: No, I don’t, sorry.

GH: There were a number of rumors that you were going to transfer from Cretin this year, had you ever considered it?
SH: No, ma’am.

GH: They were just rumors?
SH: Yes, all rumors. I don’t know who put them out there.

GH: How big are you, and what position do you play?
SH: 6’7, 300 pounds and I’m an offensive tackle.

GH: What are you going to be working on this summer?
SH: Basketball, and just getting ready for football season.

GH: What areas of your game are you currently working on?
SH: I’m working on my strength and getting faster and bigger.

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Recruiting guru tabs Cretin's Henderson as best in Class of 2010

Six-foot-7, 305-pound offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson is ranked as the nation's top football player for 2010 by one scouting service.

By FROM STAFF REPORTS
Last update: April 23, 2008 - 8:09 AM

In 30 years of ranking high school football players across the country, Tom Lemming said he has never tabbed an offensive lineman as the top overall player in a class.

But that changed recently when Lemming, the leader of the pack when it comes to recruiting gurus and the author of Prep Football Report, named Cretin-Derham Hall offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson, a junior-to-be, as the No. 1 overall player in the country for the class of 2010.

"He's a cross between Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace," said Lemming, referring to two of the best offensive tackles in the NFL over the past decade. "I don't know if I've ever seen someone that good and that big at that age, who is that kind of an athlete."

Continued...

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http://www.twincities.com/walters/ci...nclick_check=1

Baby Shaq: Cretin-Derham Hall incoming junior offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson, considered by some coaches and scouts as the top college football prospect in the country in his class, measured 6 feet, 8 1/4 inches in his stocking feet, weighed 317 pounds, and had a 7-foot-2 wingspan at an AAU basketball event the other day in St. Louis.

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Scout $

7/1

Has offers from Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Iowa, Boston College, Florida, Wisconsin, UCLA and North Carolina.

Funny...the article title is "Seantrel Henderson Talks Recruitment" but the only quote in the article is the one where he lists his offers...

[GoRU]

http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_9857197

Seantrel Henderson doesn't mind the stares. He knows people aren't used to seeing a muscular 16-year-old who stands 6 feet 7 and weighs 303 pounds.

Henderson's frame is solid, which leads to bystanders asking: "Do you play football or basketball?"

Henderson proudly responds: "Right now, I'm playing basketball."

Henderson is known more as Cretin-Derham Hall's eye-catching offensive tackle and defensive end, but basketball is his sanctuary this summer.

The coveted junior is playing for the Minneapolis-based Howard Pulley 17-under traveling team, an activity that keeps his mind off what is expected to be a relentless recruiting campaign by many of the nation's top NCAA Division I football programs.

Henderson, a backup power forward for Pulley, already has football scholarship offers from Minnesota, Notre Dame, Florida, UCLA, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa, Boston College and North Carolina. That list likely will expand once schools can submit written offers after Sept. 1.

Henderson is far from making a decision and doesn't even like to talk about his college plans.

"Everywhere I go almost, people ask me where I'm going (to college)," Henderson said. "It gets a little aggravating sometimes."

He keeps himself in shape by competing against some of the nation's best high school basketball players. The Pulley schedule includes tournaments in Houston, Atlanta, Hampton, Va., Milwaukee and Kansas City, Kan.

Two of Henderson's Pulley teammates are considered the top forwards in the state: Hopkins' Royce White, who has committed to Minnesota, and Robbinsdale Armstrong's Rodney Williams. Basketball, however, is not Henderson's primary focus this summer. When he's not playing or practicing with the Pulley team, he's in the Cretin weight room. Henderson said he can bench press 275 pounds.

But playing for Pulley, one of the state's top youth programs, often leads to another question: "Are you thinking more about basketball in college than football?"

"I like basketball just as much," he said. "I like going out of town to play against good talent. I haven't come to that point yet where it's either basketball or football for me."

Football is where Henderson's reputation is soaring. Last summer, Rivals.com, a leading scouting service for high school football, listed Henderson among its top 10 prospects to watch in the 2010 class.

Rivals will release its top-100 rankings for 2010 next spring, and Henderson virtually is assured of a spot on the list, perhaps among the top 10.

"He's heavily on our radar," said Mike Farrell, national recruiting coordinator for Rivals. "There's a very good chance he'll be one of the nation's most high-profile recruits."

Colleges can't sign Henderson to a national letter of intent until February 2010. NCAA rules prohibit coaches from talking to him directly until next spring's contact period, April 15-May 31.

Many college coaching staffs have been telling Raiders coach Mike Scanlan for two years that they want Henderson. When Henderson was a freshman, he passed by the Cretin athletic department offices and encountered an assistant from the staff of former Gophers coach Glen Mason.

The assistant was at Cretin to talk to wide receiver Michael Floyd and running back Shady Salamon but couldn't pass up the opportunity to introduce himself to Henderson. What happened next startled Henderson.

"The guy offered me a scholarship," Henderson said. "I hadn't even played with the varsity yet."

Too much hype too soon can derail young athletes. Henderson isn't about to let that happen, and neither is his parents. Henderson's father, Sean, rejected his request to get a tattoo.

"My father said I should wait until I'm 18," Henderson said. "I'm OK with that. I don't want to put out perceptions that people might question."

Any notions that Henderson might be a "me-first" athlete were scrapped in April when the Pulley team played in the Kingwood Classic in Houston. Pulley coach Antoine Harris had sent Henderson to the scorer's table to replace White, the team's starting power forward. As Henderson waited to go in, White hit three consecutive shots.

Henderson looked at Harris and said, "Do you really think I should go in?"

Harris and Henderson smiled at each other. Henderson returned to the bench.

"Seantrel is one of the most humble kids on the team," Harris said. "He understood the situation. I got him in the game a couple of minutes later."

Henderson has attracted interest from Division I basketball programs, too. Henderson said he gets two or three letters a day from Marquette. Other basketball programs expressing interest include Miami (Fla.), Iowa and Iowa State.

His priority, Henderson said, is to keep his name and image in good standing as much as possible. Rumors that he was transferring to Totino-Grace before the fall semester and that he already had given the Gophers an oral commitment upset him.

Henderson denied both claims. The rumors made him more careful about what he says and how he handles himself in public.

"I know people are watching me a lot more," he said. "I have to grow up quicker and be more responsible for the choices I make. I know things might be happening fast for me, but I'm ready to handle it."