As expected, the circus that has been Seantrel Henderson will be staying in town for another season.
At a press conference Monday morning, Henderson, along with teammates Brandon Linder and Curtis Porter, has elected to return to Miami for another season. The non-moves are far from surprising as none of the three were viewed as even third-round NFL talent at the moment.
Henderson is by far the most noteworthy of the trio. The offensive tackle was the consensus top-ranked player in the Class of 2010 who originally signed with USC before transferring to Miami. His play with the Hurricanes, far from stellar by any stretch, has been overshadowed by off-field wobbles, injuries and at least one suspension.
Head coach Al Golden, though, seems pleased that the lineman has decided to return.
“I’m really proud of Seantrel,” Golden said in a statement. “He exhibited patience and self-restraint and approached this business decision with transparency and maturity. Instant gratification and leaving would have been easy for Seantrel; instead, he’s accepted the challenge to become the best person and player he can be.
“I believe that Seantrel is really enjoying his teammates and wants to be a part of bringing the Canes back. There is room for growth with respect to Seantrel’s game. He has started 18 games in his career, suffered through some injuries, has endured personal tragedy as well as created a number of self-inflicted distractions which we believe he has left in the past. It’s essential that he continue to keep trusting our process, make great choices and surround himself with the right people. If he does this, the sky is the limit for Seantrel.”
Linder has started the past 24 games on the interior of the Hurricanes’ offensive line, including all 12 in 2012. As the release states, Porter was finally healthy after two-plus injury-ravaged years during the latter part of Miami’s 2012 season. He played in the Hurricanes’ final four games of the season, starting the last two contests against USF and Duke.
Porter received his degree this past January.