Jim Fair
Cole Henderson signs to accept a letter-of-intent to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Jim Fair
Cole Henderson signed with Lenoir-Rhyne University as his parents, Kelee and Joe Henderson, attended the ceremony.
Henderson, 6-foot-3, 265-pounds, was a three-year starter for the Greer Yellow Jackets and was selected as one of the team’s four permanent captains.
Greer Head Football Coach Will Young said only a different era in high school football steered major colleges away from Henderson. “I told (Cole) it’s the difference of 1992 and today. He would be at Clemson or Carolina back then. He’s a better player than I was in high school, it’s not even close.”
Young was a standout lineman for Clemson and was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team. “The times have changed a little bit,” Young said. “You’ve got to be 6-6 now. That’s a disappointment. But Cole will be a great player.”
Henderson graded out 91 percent and had 89 knockdown blocks for Greer’s high-powered offense this season as the Yellow Jackets finished 11-1. Greer made the state playoffs each year Henderson played.
“I’ve had fun all four years here,” Henderson said.
Teammates Tiquan Lyles (Newberry College), Jackson Tipton and Tyler Wright (both at Union College) also signed grants Wednesday.
Henderson visited Lenoir-Rhyne last month and was convinced it was the place for him the next four years. Henderson also considered the Citadel, North Greenville University and Western Carolina University.
Young said Henderson, “Made himself into a big player by being a weight room guy. He won our weight room award the past two years. It’s not because he’s the strongest guy. It’s because he comes to work every day – every single day for all four years.”
Lenoir-Rhyne is a member of the South Atlantic Conference, an NCAA Division II affiliate.
Henderson said he wants to study mathematics and maybe lean toward engineering.
Young said Henderson will be successful at Lenoir-Rhyne. “He will be a good football player. Cole is a tremendous worker. I’ve never once had a single problem with him. Ever. Not in effort, nothing. He never has an off day.”
• Tiquan Lyles signs with Newberry College
• Jackson Tipton signs with Union College
• Tyler Wright signs with Union College