E.J. Henderson Decides to Stay in School
1/10/2002 7:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 10, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland standout linebacker E.J. Henderson has announced that he has decided to return to Maryland to play out his senior season with the Terrapin football team.
Henderson, this year's Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive and overall Player of the Year, finished his junior season as a consensus All-American selection and a Butkus Award finalist after leading the ACC in tackles and setting a new school record in tackles for loss with 28.
"I have spent over a month weighing my options and I came to the conclusion that I am not ready to give up playing college ball or living the college life," said Henderson. "I enjoy being around my teammates and I look forward to returning for my senior year and the possibility that our team can build on what we accomplished this past year."
Henderson will be one of seven starters scheduled to return to the Terrapin defensive lineup next year and one of 15 starters overall expected to return (eight offense/seven defense). He is on schedule to graduate with a degree in criminal justice this spring.
"E.J. had to make a tough decision about what was best for him and his future and I feel he was able to do that," said head coach Ralph Friedgen. "We are all happy that he is returning for one more year with the team and I am certain that he will still be able to fulfill all of his aspirations and dreams in regards to a career in the NFL. He is an outstanding player and I look forward to having him around for one more year."
