Henderson Selected by Giants

Southern Miss defensive end Robert Henderson, the first Golden Eagle chosen since 2004, was on his way back from the mall when the Giants rang.

“It’s kind of a compliment,” Henderson added. “They’re supposed to be the SEC and the top players that get all the talk. That helps the program out for the future recruiting. It doesn’t matter what school you go to, it matters how you produce once you’re there.”

Henderson plans on sticking with a defensive line in New York considered one of the best in the NFL. And the bar was set high after all seven of New York’s 2007 draft played significant roles in the Super Bowl run.

“I get to learn from older guys that have been in the league a long time and have the experience that I need to get where they’re at,” said the 6-3, 278-pounder from Ponchatoula, La. “I’ve got to go in there and have the mind-set that no matter what anyone tells me, I have to show them this is the reason you guys picked me. Go in there and know my role and try to get some respect that this young man isn’t scared to put his head down and is willing to play and sacrifice to do whatever it takes to win.”

Henderson finished his career at USM with 30 consecutive starts, four appearances in bowl games and a 2007 All-Conference USA honorable mention. He leaves for New York on May 8.

“He is kind of a size-speed defensive end,” New York general manager Jerry Reese said at Sunday’s press conference. “A developmental kind of a kid - ran real fast. So, he has some things to develop that we like about him. He is a big, thick guy with some athletic ability.

“We think he can develop into something for us in a year or so.”

Source: Clarion Ledger