One of the most suspenseful recruitments of players on Florida's radar late in the 2017 recruiting class came from four-star cornerback C.J. Henderson.
After taking his final official visit to UF on the weekend of Jan. 20, Henderson weighed his options and decided between Florida and Miami. Henderson was previously committed to the Hurricanes but de-committed from UM last October.
On National Signing Day, the Miami native out of Columbus High School picked Florida and signed his name on the dotted line, adding another talent to what was a huge haul for the Gators that day.
Henderson, who is currently undecided on a major, is set to arrive with the rest of the 2017 signees for the summer B session of UF classes. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound corner is one of six defensive backs to sign with the Gators this past class and figures to compete for opportunities at one of the outside corner spots this season.
Today, it's time to learn a little bit more about Henderson on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
------
* Watnick: Zaire should bolster Florida’s depth at quarterback
* Ask the Expert: Notre Dame beat writer goes in-depth on Zaire
* Florida picks up massive out-of-state offensive tackle
* Florida makes positive impression on four-star Nester
* GET TWO MONTHS OF INSIDETHEGATORS.COM FOR FREE
------
I know you were looked at by a bunch of different schools, but what were some of the main reasons why you chose to come to Florida?
“I just felt comfortable with the school. … The production, the ‘DBU’ coming out the past years, the coaches that they have.”
What was that final month for you like during your recruiting process?
“It was kind of up and down, because one day I was one school and the other day I was a different school, so it was crazy.”
When then did you have your mind made up that you were going to Florida?
“Probably like 2-3 days before signing.”
What swayed you toward joining the Gators late in the cycle?
“I was sold on Florida right after the visit. Then, I started thinking about Miami a little more. But, I’m just glad I get to be at Florida now.”
Assuming Miami came in second for you, what factors kept the 'Canes in consideration?
“I just like the cornerbacks coach (Mike Rumph) and stuff, and I just felt very comfortable there.”
Reflecting back on everything, what did you like the most about the recruiting process?
“It was something to go through at first, but after watching myself over time, I just learned how to make decisions on my own and decide them.”
Looking back, what would you want to change about how the whole process went for you?
“I would have probably visited more schools earlier and probably made a decision earlier.”
What do you really want to work on the most when you get to UF?
“Probably just learning offenses more, how to read certain stuff.”
What have the Florida coaches expressed to you about your role? What has been their message?
“They’ll just been telling me that all of the freshmen coming in are going to challenge and compete for a spot. All of that’s in their plan.”
Do you expect to play mostly at outside cornerback at Florida?
“Probably my first year I’ll be on the outside, but further on I want to play all the positions.”
What are some of your greatest strengths as a cornerback?
“I feel like I’m athletic. I can match up with anybody 1-on-1, speed-wise and athletically.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
“My parents. They showed me how to take nothing and turn it into something.”
If you could meet one person in the world, who would that be?
“God.”
Which current NFL player would you compare your talents to?
“Probably Patrick Peterson. He’s physical. He pretty much did what I did coming out of high school as an athlete. He’s got a lot of confidence in himself.”
What is your favorite type of music type, and who is your favorite artist?
“Hip-hop and rap. Artists, I probably listen to Young Thug the most.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Probably Friday.”
Favorite TV show?
“Spongebob.”
Do you have a special talent/skill outside of football?
“Video games and track.”
What then are some of your favorite video games?
“I play Black Ops, GTA, NCAA, Madden, stuff like that.”
If you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, what would be your first purchase?
“I’d probably buy my mom a car or something. Something for my parents.”
What are some things you have currently on your bucket list?
“I want to go to Hawaii, the Bahamas. I haven’t done a cruise yet, so stuff like that.”
-------
PREVIOUS GETTING TO KNOW INTERVIEWS:
-------
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.
