Player Primer: Tyrik Henderson
I spoke to Glenbard North’s talented 2018 cornerback Tyrik Henderson on his recruiting, strengths, and staying cool under pressure.
You can find Tyrik on Twitter @THenn24
Tyrik Henderson
Glenbard North
Carol Stream, IL
Wt: 165 lbs
Class: 2018
Commitment status: Undecided
LPI: What are the most important things you and your team did this offseason and are now doing in practice so you guys can improve this season?
TH: For starters, we’ve been so focused on this season so much that mostly all we try to do is football. We make sure that every little detail is considered so we have no errors in the games. For myself, I’ve been working on my speed, my footwork and I’ve also been working on playing wide receiver.
LPI: Where have you camped/showcased at this summer?
TH: I’ve done a few satellite camps at North Central College (with Missouri, Purdue and South Dakota state), at Lake Park and at Barrington (with Illinois). I also attended Night at the Zou for Missouri.
LPI: Which camps do you think you stood out at the most at and why?
TH: I think I did really well at Night at the Zou. I camped really well there and got my offer from Mizzou because they thought I could showcase my talent at the next level. I also think I did really well at the University of Illinois camp. I’ve been keeping in contact with the coaching staff since that camp.
LPI: Were you on any 7on7 teams this year? If so, how did it go for you?
TH: I was part of Midwest Boom and it went really well. We won 2 National championships and only lost 2 tournaments overall. Without Boom I don’t think I would’ve become the player I am today. I learned a lot about preparation, my technique and that every practice is key. The guys at BOOM really make sure to pay attention to every detail from footwork to hand placement and everything in between. They really help us prep for season and become better players.
LPI: You have offers from Missouri, Purdue, Central Michigan, South Dakota State and Toledo. Is there any added pressure on you going into this season to exceed expectations or do you just play your game and let the rest kind of figure itself out?
TH: I’m really not feeling much pressure at all. I’m just taking this season 1 game at a time. As for recruitment, I’m taking the process slow and keeping an open mind to all roads. It’s been a great experience so far.
LPI: Out of all the schools that have offered you, which schools stood out the most to you and which have shown the most interest in you?
TH: Right now, Missouri has been showing the most interest. They’ve truly been great to my family. We have a great relationship with the coaching staff there. Purdue has also been keeping a lot of contact with us. DB Coach Johnson is a great guy that I keep in contact with a lot.
LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?
TH: I recently visited Illinois and I think it went pretty well. As of right now I don’t have any exact dates planned for visits. I plan on taking visits, but just don’t have any planned at the moment. Like I said earlier, I’m taking it slow and am really trying to focus on my team this season.
LPI: What’s it like starting on varsity as a Sophomore? How did you deal with playing against kids a few years older than you?
TH: It was tough at first. The speed of the game changed for me and it took a few weeks to get used to. After a few weeks the game really slowed down for me and by the middle of the season I was used to it and that really allowed me to play at a high level.
LPI: The Panthers finished last year with a good record of 7-2. However, fell to a tough Mount Carmel team in the first round of the playoffs. You guys are now 1-0 early this year. What are you and your team focusing on more this year to get back to the playoffs and make a deep run?
TH: Win every week is our team motto. We don’t want to listen to the hype. We’re taking things slow and focusing on the game that is in front of us. We really try to humble ourselves, stay grounded, and again, take it one game at a time.
LPI: What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?
TH: My IQ for the game is second to none. I understand the game very well and I can adapt to any type of defense. I’m not a one dimensional as a corner either. To be more specific, I’ll be on top of the receivers jamming them on one play then the next play I’ll be playing off of them. I do this to keep the receivers honest and keep them guessing.
LPI: Greg Newsome, Jace James and yourself are among the highly recruited names on your team and deservedly. Who are some more players that you believe are being overlooked that have a chance to play at the next level?
TH:
Joshua Flowers: He’s going to be one of the big names on our team this year. He’s a safety that is very versatile. He can play S or CB or even some WR. Very high IQ for the game and a very intense player
Jayleen Fitzpatrick: OLB that is looking to play D1 at S or OLB. Hands down the hardest hitter on our team. He loves the contact and loves dropping those hard hits on opposing ball carriers. I’m really glad he’s on our team.
Jabari Fitzpatrick: He’s kind of like Josh. He can play S or CB. He’s a very physical DB that hits like a LB. He is a multi skilled defensive player that can excel at the D1 level, he just needs a shot.
Shane Conway: He’s a sleeper at the QB position because we have some great QBs in our conference this year. Strong and accurate arm, high IQ and always keeps defenses honest with his legs (4.55 40).
Vittorio Tricase: He’s been getting looked at by some Ivy League schools at the RB position. He’s a little undersized, but is a gamer. He’s the ideal teammate, is very coachable and a guy that every coach wants on their team. A great teammate and a better person off the field.