There have been several reports over the last couple weeks that, in the wake of sanctions received by the USC football program program, Seantrel Henderson was having second thoughts regarding his commitment to the Trojans.
Twice, the reports stated, members of the program have flown out to Henderson’s Minnesota home in an effort to solidify what’s once again become a shaky commitment. Henderson did not report for freshman orientation earlier this month as expected, which led to one of the trips. Additionally, there was a report from a Minnesota paper Thursday that had Henderson leaning toward moving on to Miami, which was believed to be the lineman’s second choice after ‘SC.
Henderson himself has refused to comment on his status, and his high-profile father would only give a “no comment” when asked about his son’s plans, adding further fire to the smoke coming from the Henderson camp. Now, a person with a vested interest in the whole roller coaster ride is acknowledging that there is indeed an issue with the lineman.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, head coach Lane Kiffin has confirmed the previous reports, telling the paper that the school has “basically [had to] re-recruit” the offensive tackle rated as the top prospect in the 2010 recruiting class by many services.
Kiffin seemed to be getting a bit frustrated with the situation -- and Henderson -- as well.
“Sometimes I think I know his main concern and then it seems to change the next day,” Kiffin said. “Every other freshman has got here when they were supposed to and is sticking with it.”
Still, Kiffin remains somewhat hopeful that Henderson will reaffirm his commitment in the near future and join the fellow members of USC’s ’10 recruiting class.
“I hope in the end Seantrel sees what every other freshman in this class has... that one or two games isn’t why you choose a university,” Kiffin said. “They didn’t come to SC because of a bowl game the first or second year. They came here because of the education; they came here because of the football program.”