Chat Wrap: E.J. Henderson

Oct. 15, 2002

On Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Maryland linebacker E.J. Henderson dropped by to chat about the team's upcoming battle with ACC-rival Georgia Tech on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Read the transcript.

EJ Henderson: (1:28 PM ET ) I am here and ready to go!

Lee (Miami): Hey EJ, whats happening? Do you think this years defensive squad is faster as a team than last years squad? Swat some jackets, baby!!!!!!!!!!! Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

EJ Henderson: (1:29 PM ET ) Probably. Our secondary, if they all had to run the 40, would probably average out better than last year. Up front we are about the same.

Eugene Norton (Aberdeen, MD): Congrats, "Big Play EJ!" How does it feel to be in the same position as last year competing for another ACC title? Do you think you have a good chance of winning the Butkus award this year after getting robbed last year? You clearly had the better stats than Rocky! Good luck on the rest of the season, and I will be praying for you!

EJ Henderson: (1:30 PM ET ) I think if I finish well, finish strong, I will be in the running. I have to have a good conference run.

Eric (Aberdeen): Hello, E.J. Do think the wet field will be an advantage for one team or the other? If so; which team and why?

EJ Henderson: (1:30 PM ET ) I think it will even out. If it's wet, it will be more of a running game that trying to run the ball. But it should be an even match on both sides.

115Arl,Va: How's the back doing? What do you think it will take to get a won over the Yellow Jackets?

EJ Henderson: (1:31 PM ET ) My back is feeling fine. We need to come out and shut down the running game. Our offense should put up quite a few points for us.

Nate (Virginia Beach): EJ, you had a great season your junior year. How did you prepare for this season, knowing you had more pressure on you to preform?

EJ Henderson: (1:31 PM ET ) I just tried to keep the same work habit and come to camp in shape and as strong as possible. I just tried to get better each day.

Gary ( College Park): EJ Why dont you come join the basketball team and help us kick Dukes' A*$?

EJ Henderson: (1:32 PM ET ) I think they are stacked enough over there! I probably would get bullied on the post because I am so short.

Nick (Greensboro, NC): E.J., I'm a Tarheels fan but i greatly respect and admire your talents. Is it hard not to think about your NFL prospects, even a little?

EJ Henderson: (1:33 PM ET ) I think about it. Usually on Sunday's when I watching the game. But during the week I am just focusing on the game ahead and trying to enjoy my college career.

Todd (Cleveland): E.J... quietly, Maryland has had some very good linebackers (Radcliffe Thomas, Aaron Thompson, Eric Barton, etc...), with one of the best linebacking corps this year... do you think Maryland is an up and coming "Linbacker U"? GO TERRAPINS!!!

EJ Henderson: (1:34 PM ET ) I think in the past before I came, we had a good linebacking corp and after me we still have some young guys that will do things. They should keep recruiting well and guys will see this as a good place to come.

Robert (Richmond, VA): How much have you guys missed Bruce Perry this season, and how has he looked in practice over the past week or so?

EJ Henderson: (1:35 PM ET ) We miss him a lot for his experience and the offensive threat he is. Other guys have done a great job stepping up though. It will be a huge plus when we get him back. He has looked good in practice but he's just taking things slow right now.

B(Texas): EJ, how much is your bench press? and how did you decide on Maryland to attend school and play football?

EJ Henderson: (1:36 PM ET ) The most was 385 ... I decided on Maryland because it was close to home and my family could watch me play.

Dick Butkus: EJ - How did the team react to the FSU game this year? It seemed that mistakes (turnovers, missed opportunities on D, "penalties") did us in, but that the talent level was far closer this year than in year's past. The team has eliminated alot of the mistakes and has played great since that game. Looking forward to tomorrow night!

EJ Henderson: (1:37 PM ET ) I think we realized we were playing a great team but after the game we realized we made mistakes and had to take from those mistakes. Without those mistakes we would have been right there with them.

Nate (Virginia Beach): EJ, after a rough start to your season, your team has started to play better. What do you contribute that to?

EJ Henderson: (1:38 PM ET ) Maybe just a young team maturing and gaining confidence as the season has progressed.

Eric (Washington DC): EJ, It seems that the Terp's were blitzing a lot more last year. Have the scheme changed?

EJ Henderson: (1:38 PM ET ) The scheme hasn't changed.. last year we got a lot of third and longs but we have't got that this year. I think we are saving some of our stuff for the conference schedule.

Ed (Havre De Grace, MD): EJ,

With all the young guys at LB this year, how have you taken to your role as mentor?

EJ Henderson: (1:41 PM ET ) Yes, especially with these young guys, I see myself as a mentor. They have a lot of questions and I try to help them. If I see them make a mistake, I give them pointers. I have tried to take them under my wings.

drew (Aberdeen, MD): EJ, I here your brother Erin is really tearing it up at Aberdeen High. Who's got a better work ethic, You or Erin?

EJ Henderson: (1:43 PM ET ) I think he got it at an earlier age. Before he got to high school, he was already working hard. He really developed at an earlier age than me.

Matt (Takoma Park, MD): EJ, what kind of things do you do to relax? Do you play a lot of the college football video games? If so, what team do you play as?

EJ Henderson: (1:43 PM ET ) I don't play video games. I just try to lay in my room and watch a movie or two. I saw Red Dragon recently .. good movie.

Scott Carey (Plano, TX via Waldorf, MD): What area does the defense need to keep working on the most in your opinion?

EJ Henderson: (1:44 PM ET ) I think all aspects of our game can be improved. We all have been playing well but as a defensive whole we can always mature and get better. There is always room for improvement.

B(Texas): IS there any NFL team that stands out to you and that you would prefer playing for??

EJ Henderson: (1:45 PM ET ) If I had my choice I would go to Dallas because I have family there, I love the weather, and that's my team.

Tim (Cleveland): What was your most memorable moment as a Terrapin? GO TERPS!!!

EJ Henderson: (1:49 PM ET ) Hmm.. last year when we beat Ga. Tech at Ga. Tech. That is when we really felt we were a big time program. I played well and it was just a turning point for us.

Brian (Greensboro): You're currently 3rd in the ACC in tackles, are you happy with that considering you had back surgery during the off season? And how far are you from being 100%? Good luck tomorrow night!

EJ Henderson: (1:49 PM ET ) I think I have been very productive but I don't look at the rankings. I still have a long way to go. By the end of the season I hope to be on top.

EJ Henderson: (1:51 PM ET ) Thanks for all the great questions. I really appreciate all your support. Be sure and catch the game Thursday night on ESPN.

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