E.J. Henderson describes his demeanor as relatively quiet. He said he's "not really a run-around type guy" and he prefers to "just chill out." His opponents surely wish this mellow attitude would be a little more evident on the gridiron, where the Maryland senior linebacker makes a regular habit of pounding opposing players into turf with vicious tackles.
So much for "chilling out."
Henderson has flattened opponent after opponent this year, leading the Terrapins in stops (125), sitting in second in the ACC in solo tackles (92), and securing a nomination as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation's top collegiate defensive player.
"My biggest strength is my instinct in getting to the football and finding the shortest way to get there," Henderson said.
Named a consensus first-team All-American, Henderson also was rated the top linebacker in the nation by The Sporting News and named the National Defensive Player of the Year by Lindy's. Last season he became the fourth player in Maryland history to be named the ACC Player of the Year, and finished with a remarkable 150 tackles.
Although he had back surgery on April 8 and missed all of spring practice, Henderson has been just as dominant this season. In addition to the Nagurski nomination, he is in contention for the Butkus (top collegiate linebacker) and Lombardi (top collegiate lineman) awards. He also leads the Terrapins with two forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss.
Henderson has led the team in tackles in all but four of Maryland's games over the past two years, and set a school record when he recorded his 46th tackle for loss against Eastern Michigan this September. He currently has 56.5 tackles with two regular season games remaining in his collegiate career.
In the Terrapins' crucial victory against then-No. 13 NC State two weeks ago, Henderson recorded his biggest output yet, tallying a season-high 16 tackles.
He and his Terrapin teammates will head into Charlottesville on Saturday for a game even bigger than the match against the Wolfpack, and with second place in the ACC on the line, Henderson will be looking to step up even more.
Maryland is currently riding the momentum of an eight-game win streak: Henderson and the rest of the Maryland defensive unit ranks second in the ACC, and leads the league with only 16 touchdowns allowed.
"I'm just very proud of these kids," Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. "We're working hard in practice, and I see it every day. They've never stopped doing that, and as long as they keep doing that, they'll have me on their side."
Henderson himself is a prime example of the work ethic that personifies this Maryland team. He stressed the importance of discipline and hard work, both on the field and off, and credited both as key factors in his emergence as one of the top defensive players in the nation.
"Hard work always pays off," Henderson said. "I also watch a lot of film to make sure to get an edge on the guys on the other side of the ball."
With a victory solidifying a New Year's Day Bowl bid for either team, the Virginia offense must be on their toes against Henderson and the dominant Maryland defense.
After all, the only "chilling out" Henderson will be doing this Saturday will be momentarily resting on top of a warm Virginia body he just drove into the ground.
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