The University of Pittsburgh football program added a fourth verbal commitment this week when Hallandale Beach (FL) Hallandale cornerback Malik Henderson (6-foot-1 inches, 175 pounds). He chose the Pitt over early scholarship offers from Arkansas, Indiana, Florida Atlantic, Massachusetts and Alcorn State.
To gain some perspective on Henderson, DreamBackfield.com spoke with Hallandale High School Head Football Coach Dameon Jones.
“Malik is simply a great kid. He’s a young man that takes school very seriously and he has an outstanding 3.7 grade point average. Qualifying won’t an issue for him,” said Jones. “He’s a very, very smart young man and that intelligence translates to the football field. Malik has a very high football IQ.”
“Malik is very long, athletic and fast. At first you may think he’s a finesse corner until you see him hit a wide receiver or jam them at the line. He’s an all-around great player. The sky is the limit for him.”
Henderson had a pair of BCS schools extend scholarship prior to Pitt. It appeared his offer list was soon to grow exponentially. Why did he choose Pitt? “Malik did his homework. He was attracted to Pitt’s academics,” he said. “(Pitt secondary coach) Troy Douglas played a big role in his recruitment as well. I have known him for a long time and I know what he’s capable of doing with defensive backs. He’s a great coach. (Pitt defensive line coach) Inoke Breckterfield was tremendous as well.”
“Pitt offers him a chance to compete early in his career and play in the ACC. He did his research and felt very comfortable with his decision.”
There are an abundance of Florida recruits that make early commitments, only to find they decommit late in the process due to additional offers. Coach Jones was asked if the Panthers will have to worry about a change of heart during the recruiting process. “His commitment is solid. I have been coaching for seven year and I have never had a player flip a commitment. That’s always been my policy,” he said. “The only time I would let a player flip a commitment is a coaching change. That’s the only time I would allow that.”
“The Pitt football program is getting a tremendous young man and football player.”
Henderson is Pitt’s fourth commitment in the class of 2015, joining Kittanning tight end Nick Bowers, Altoona linebacker Kevin Givens and Canon-McMillan offensive lineman Alex Paulina.