For several years Panther fans have complained that Pitt football head coach Paul Chryst has deemphasized recruiting in the talent rich state of Florida. Things began to change a year ago when defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield started to establish relationships throughout the state. Pitt was able to find a late blooming gem in linebacker James Folston Jr. from Cocoa High School in Rockledge, FL. Based on the amount of targeted 2015 scholarship offers, the Panthers are starting to turn up the heat in the sunshine state.
Pitt has extended early scholarship offers to a number of Floridians including running back Sekai Lindsay from Melbourne, FL, defensive tackle Andrew Ivie from Dade City, FL, defensive end Luke Ancrum from Sebring, FL and linebacker Christopher Hart from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
The latest player to receive an offer is Tampa (FL) Plant High School’s defensive tackle Kyle Henderson (6-foot-2 inches, 280 pounds).
“Pitt started contacting me in February,” stated Henderson. “They really like what they saw of my on film and eventually Coach Breckterfield offered me a scholarship.”
Last season, Pitt wans watched defensive tackle Aaron Donald decimate the ACC. Donald, a human wrecking ball, accrued every major post season honor that can be given to a defensive player short of the Heisman trophy. Henderson was well aware of Donald’s ‘legend’ and provided a number of thoughts.
“Coach Breckterfield told me I had a lot of Aaron Donald like qualities to my game. I took that as a high complement,” he said. “I was watching Donald and it felt like I was watching myself. There are a lot of similarities in our play. I’m a lot like him. We both fly to the quarterback, slam running backs and we’re both laterally quick and we can shed double teams.”
“I burst off the line. I’m able to get that quick hit on the quarterback or tailback,” he said. “Defensive linemen are usually more athletic than your average offensive linemen and I take advantage of that.”
Henderson, like Donald, prides himself on physical play. He registered 70 tackles, 6 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles last season. He played fullback on offense and added two rushing touchdowns to his resume.
Pitt, Cincinnati, Indiana, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oregon State, UCF and Wake Forest have already extended Henderson scholarship offers.
Kyle was asked if he preferred to state in Florida to play college football and he quickly replied, “No, I’m wide open. I’m not staying in Florida just because it’s Florida. I’m open to all option right now. I need to take my visits.”
“I want to take my visits. I’m doing my homework right now. It’s important that I feel comfortable with the schools’ coaching staff and they have the major I want. I eventually would like to be a sports agent. I’m going to see what type of marketing and business programs they have.”
Henderson has strong interest in Pitt and hopes to visit over the summer.
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