From Deshaun Watson to Dexter Lawrence, teams are winning with true freshmen these days. So, which incoming ACC freshmen will make major contributions for their team in 2017? We’re picking our favorites this week.
Next up, Georgia Tech.
Recruit: Jaquan Henderson, No. 23 outside linebacker
Stars: Four
Why he’ll make an impact: Georgia Tech went heavy on defense with this year’s signing class. Eight of its top 11 rated signees, according to ESPN, are on that side of the ball, with Henderson serving as one of the highlights.
Talent isn’t a question for the 6-foot-1 Henderson, though at 197 pounds he could use some time in the weight room to bulk up a bit. But he has the frame to add weight, and he’s always played like a harder hitter than his lean body might suggest. His instincts around the ball make him look like a natural at linebacker.
Georgia Tech has a major vacancy at linebacker with the departure of P.J. Davis, a three-year starter and one of the anchors of a defense that surprised a bit last season. Whether Henderson is the answer remains to be seen. Stylistically, it would be a bit of a transition.
But even if Henderson doesn’t jump into the fray as a starter at outside linebacker, he could be a nice fit in a hybrid position, sleek enough to hold up in coverage and strong enough to play against the run. That’s become a valuable asset in the ACC of late, and Henderson may not need a clearly defined role to make a big impact in 2017.
How he got to Georgia Tech: Henderson had long been a Tennessee commit, but he flipped late in the process and proved to be a big get for a Yellow Jackets team that churned out an impressive haul on signing day.
Coach quote: “It’s a little heavier on defense than offense because that’s where we have a few more openings,” Paul Johnson said, turning his attention to defenders like Henderson who provide a mix of size and speed. “I’m really excited about the athleticism in this class. I think we’ve got a lot of guys with length that can run. It’ll be exciting to watch them mature and see where a lot of them wind up playing.“