Written by Chris O’Dell
With a new look defense this season, the Harding football team has had several new faces explode onto the scene for the Bisons. With multiple transfers and incoming freshmen, the team is currently undergoing a new look. However, one of those new players might soon become a familiar face to Bison football fans.
Redshirt freshman Kennard Henderson has been one of many key contributors on the defensive side of the ball for the Bisons. Not only has Henderson made an impact early in his Bison football career, but he has also become a key part of the Bison defense.
Henderson was recently named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week, following his performance in the Bisons’ 27-22 victory over Henderson State during Homecoming weekend.
“Winning GSC player of the week was an honor for me, and I give all thanks to God for allowing me to perform well enough to receive an honor like that, especially during my redshirt freshman year,” Henderson said.
Henderson became the second Harding defender to claim weekly accolades this season. During his impressive game against the Reddies, he racked up a career-high 14 tackles, including seven solo stops. The Texarkana, Texas, native also forced a fumble and recovered another. He returned the fumble 50 yards for a Bison touchdown. It was Harding’s first defensive touchdown of the season and gave his team a 21-10 lead in the third quarter.
“I feel that was the start of me stepping up and making something happen at the right time,” Henderson said. “But now that I’ve done so I have to work harder to receive it again.”
The 5-foot-7 linebacker’s 50-yard fumble return was the sixth longest in school history and the longest since Tank Daniels’ 79-yard return against Missouri Southern in 2004.
Henderson ended the season with 48 tackles, which was good for seventh on the team. The redshirt freshman also had an interception, a fumble recovery and two forced fumbles on the season. Henderson said the improved defense this season can be attributed to a new coaching philosophy.
“I think the four-man front has helped a lot, and their ability to go out every game and play as well as they do,” Henderson said. “We have a new scheme, and it’s perfect when we play it how we are supposed to.”
The Bisons concluded the 2009 season with a loss to Arkansas Tech this past Saturday. Henderson said despite the team finishing 5-6, the Bisons are improving each season.
“Our season went well for the most part,” Henderson said. “As a team we don’t feel we met all of our expectations, but we met some. And to get to the top it may take a while because we all know that patience is the key to success.”
If the team shows as much improvement next season as it did this season on defense, it might be one to look out for in the Gulf South Conference. Although the Bisons just ended the season, and next season is too far away to think about right now, the team can rest assured it has a young playmaker at linebacker. After completing his redshirt freshman season Saturday, Henderson will be a player Bison fans will become well familiar with for several years to come.
