Previously: Last year’s profiles, K Adam Samaha, K James Turner (Tr), S Brandyn Hillman, CB DJ Waller, CB Cameron Calhoun, CB Jyaire Hill, HSP/LB Jason Hewlett, LB Hayden Moore, LB Semaj Bridgeman, LB Ernest Hausmann (Tr), OLB Breeon Ishmail, DE Aymeric Koumba, DE Enow Etta, DE Josaiah Stewart (Tr), DT Brooks Bahr, DT Cameron Brandt, DT Trey Pierce, OT Evan Link, OT Myles Hinton (Tr)

Arizona St. Transfer (Hometown: Waxahachie, TX) – 6'5"/310
		247: 6'4/270                          4.40*	AS TRANSFER: 4*, 93 #3 IOL, #18 Ovr
		On3: 6'4/270                           4.27*	AS TRANSFER: 4*, 91 #4 IOL, #36 Ovr
		Rivals: 6'4/310                           4.24*	AS TRANSER: 4*, 5.8 #6 OL, #41 Ovr
		Transfer Avg                           4.30*	4*, #212/792 since '90 #17/54 OTs
		HS Composite             3.67* / 3.62*	3*, #741/#749 Ovr #57 OT/#65 IOL, #95 TX
		MGoAverage                           3.65*	3*, #624/792 Ovr #47/54 OTs since '90
		YMRMFSPA	Maurice Williams
Other Suitors	32 NFL teams.
Previously On MGoBlog	Portal In by Brian
Notes	Played mostly LG. Son-in-law of Jon Kitna.
Film:
Film: 2021 vs Utah:2022 vs Utah. 2022 vs Okla St. UW guy dies.

Last year Michigan intercepted a lineman with draft potential who wanted to get more out of his college career but wasn't going to get it where he was. The Olu Gambit worked out, as Oluwatimi won both the Outland and the Rimington as the center of the repeat Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. Michigan got a transfer center again, but LaDarius Henderson is the guy who means to be the next Olu. Projected as a Day 2 pick after a great four-year career at guard for Arizona State, Henderson chose instead to come to Michigan and demonstrate he can play left tackle. He's actually done it before; in fact the guy was a starting Power 5 left tackle at 17 years old.

[After THE JUMP: A hello to arms.]

---------------------------

What's His Story?

As we just noted, Henderson is a year younger than his 2019 class, born in December 2001 just a few weeks before Myles Hinton. Andy Staples wrote an article about Henderson in 2020 and described his early years:

Henderson is younger than his classmates because he could read and do math so well as a youngster that he spent only one semester in Kindergarten and one semester in first grade before moving on to second grade. A high school program that provided an abundance of10644506.JPG (620×320) peanut butter and jelly sandwiches helped Henderson put on 80 pounds. … High school coaches who convinced Henderson to join the track team helped hone his athleticism. At most schools, the linemen join the track team and throw the shot put. Henderson practiced with the sprinters, running 100- and 200 meter dashes and finishing last — but not as far back as someone his size probably should. Those practices taught Henderson how to run, and the result is obvious when watching him move compared to other players his size.

He also came to football late. As of fall 2016 he was 200 pounds and brand new to the sport. He also transferred from DeSoto (where the Green twins were through 2017) to Waxahachie. At that point he could squat 185 and couldn't press 135, but he was carrying a 4.0 GPA. Jon Kitna, who was coaching at Waxahachie until moving Brophy Prep near ASU, let the Sun Devils know about Henderson early. By his senior year he was an all-District 7-6A at left tackle, measuring 6'4"/280 but with a 7-foot wingspan. Waxahachie had an air raid and their tackles run every play out of a 2-point set so evaluators couldn't get much out of his film, and ASU walked away with Henderson mostly uncontested. Illinois got involved late but couldn't make the flip. Texas poking around, as evidenced by the presence of a few articles by then-cub 247 reporter EJ Holland.

That also meant he was especially raw when thrust into starting as a 17-year-old true freshman left tackle at 285 pounds in 2019. This happened when ASU lost the senior who was expected to start to personal issues in the preseason. The Devils were going to put their Rimington candidate center back out to LT, but after two weeks they lost that guy, and started Henderson on the blindside against Kenny Willekes and MSU. It didn't go great, but ASU won, and Henderson remained the starter the rest of the year with only "my effort, my brain, and my arm length." He even seemed to be getting his feet under him at the end of it.

A portal acquisition moved Henderson to RT the next spring and then to RG in fall, but the 2020 season was mostly a wash—the Sun Devils only played four games and Henderson only played line in two of them, a rough outing at USC and a good one at Arizona.

Henderson moved to the left guard spot in 2021 as fellow forced-to-play as a freshman in '19 Dohnovan West took over at center. Things clicked, and Henderson was named the offensive MVP of the team in spring, got the offensive line to wear "Run the Damn Ball" hats, and together the two began to make Chip Trayanum into a thing.

Henderson was named captain in 2022, and also got a fourth offensive coordinator since committing to ASU when Zak Hill was implicated in a scandal . A promising start was cut short at the halfway point thanks to a freak finger injury that had to be fixed then or never. (Also Herm Edwards was fired 3 games in). Henderson accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl but dropped out of the draft, which people were calling a "shock." He missed spring ball to complete his graduation at ASU, but was enrolled at Michigan as of late May.

THE FILM

I watched him last year at Oklahoma State and vs Utah but the idiot who took over as Arizona State's OC brought in a stretch zone and pass-a-lot offense that played to the weaknesses of his players, so I also checked out the 2021 Utah game. Henderson's at left guard, #77.

Run Blocking:

He looks like a Michigan lineman. He has good bend he can use to explosively extend that already impressive reach. I mean watch what happens to this guy:

I got frustrated watching them run a Ryan Day offense (mostly pass, lots of stretch when they ran) that didn't seem to match the personnel they had. Versus Utah they didn't run into Henderson's lane until down 34-6 in the 4th quarter, but he was opening them all day.

He is so good, and I mean *so good* at getting to the second level.

When the functional human being was OC they actually created plays to use this skill, and you can tell the moron thought he was doing the same by going to zones that release Henderson into the linebacker level. The smarter DCs let them do this and won battles against Henderson's less competent teammates, but if he got to combo there was always a lane (the RBs all had terrible vision), and the rare times his teammates did their jobs Henderson was able to do a ton of damage.

Just the ability to get out on linebackers wherever they lined up is so impressive, but where he really shined was being the backside man on those combos, something most defenses only allowed him to do once per game.

As a power blocker, Henderson was very good at clearing out space as a down-blocker, but they understandably preferred to use him as the puller. There is no wasted motion, and he is very good at finding his targets, then winning those blocks.

This also comes out in zone, where Henderson has a good idea of what's going on around him and adjusts.

He also has very good pad level, and knows how to use it to keep an advantage (RB again turned down the lane).

And of course, he's extremely athletic, with quick feet even if you'd like them to be longer. My annoyance with his teammates probably peaked when he got this reach block, and two missed assignments ruined it:

Another thing: unlike most offensive linemen, Henderson doesn't "dad run" with his chest out and hands all over the place. He moves like a receiver or a linebacker, which makes him extra devastating in space.

Pass Protection:

This was especially hard to grade because he was playing inside, and because most opponents decided to leave him nobody to block when they brought pressures. When he does get somebody, the arms are such a weapon. He has an extremely strong punch, which with the length of his arms helps him to get in a good punch and still be setting up for the stunt. The combo is also devastating when you're not focused on him:

The frequency with which he's left to wander gave me plenty of opportunities to watch him go find work.

And okay, so I did watch the 2019 MSU game too—just for the lols—but I noticed Henderson got beat by swim moves a few times. It's evident that he's been working on that a lot since.

The issues with his pass-blocking are mostly with getting beat inside on spin moves, or when they can set him up to take a bad step. This happens too often because Henderson will commit to a move—usually the punch—instead of being patient. It makes sense, since his greatest advantage is his length, so you want to play that card early. But it has to connect.

The Grading

PFF has shared all of this on various sites. The lower run blocking score in 2022 doesn't match what I saw, unless they're downgrading him for ASU not running behind him enough. 

The Arms

The scouting all agrees that his 7'2" wingspan, and the strength within those wings, are Henderson's greatest assets. Pro Football Network said his "length can be an overwhelming conduit for force at contact," and projected him as a late first-rounder because of it:

If you’re looking for a guard with tools to develop, you can’t do much better than Arizona State’s LaDarius Henderson. Henderson is around 6’5″, 310 pounds, with arms over 35″, and he explodes off the line. He can struggle with pad level at times, but his athleticism is eye-catching, and his length provides a conduit for elite power.

The Draft Network's analysts loved his grip strength, and how he used those arms "like a boxer, he can punch and jab from the outside without allowing defenders into his space," and also exclaimed over their length.

Arizona State LG LaDarius Henderson is someone you need to know! 6050 310-pounds with over 35-inch arms! Former LT with good footwork and movement skills. In 13 games last season, he allowed only 9 pressures, 7 hurries, 1 QB hit, and a sack! That is impressive work!

NFL Draft Buzz had his measurements in the 81st percentile among historical combine participants for arm length and hand size, and ELITE-ELITE for wingspan.

The Athleticism

Pro Football Network (and you're only seeing a piece of a very long and detailed scouting report here) said Henderson…

supplements that length with near-elite explosiveness and linear athleticism. He’s an extremely explosive athlete who surges off the line and into contact with dangerous momentum, and he also has the lateral explosiveness to get outside the 3-tech on running plays.

…claiming "No guard in the 2023 NFL Draft class has the full combination of physical tools that Henderson has" and calling him a "raging bull as a pulling blocker with an elite mix of explosiveness, length, and tenacity."

Draft Buzz credited him with a "a strong, flexible core, and the ability to absorb and anchor against the bull rush as a pass protector," and "underrated athleticism, agility, balance, and even straight-line speed to contribute," though just "adequate foot quickness" to remain outside. They too pointed out the "surprising agility" with which he gets to the second level and connects with moving defenders.

Henderson will have a chance to develop as a right tackle or possibly inside at guard, where he could be an interesting prospect for a zone-blocking team. If nothing else, that versatility is enough to make him at least a quality reserve. He’s a fluid mover in pass protection, with great coordination between his upper and lower body. Henderson sets with a wide base, has the requisite core strength and plays with natural balance, capable of sitting back and handling power.

The Draft Network saw the left tackle feet:

you can see and appreciate his light feet moving laterally. The lateral agility allows him to mirror opposing rushers with efficiency and work as a zone run blocker… He plays with a solid base to drop his weight and anchor.

And they also noted something I saw a few times too, which is the subtle way he will bump a guy on his pulls or when comboing, a little last bit of help that makes a big difference.

I won't bother you with high school takes (they were all about his length, what there was) but this was from the Andy Staples article before Henderson moved to guard:

Al Luginbill, Arizona State’s director of player personnel, envisions Henderson as a five-position lineman who might develop into an excellent college left tackle and then play multiple spots in the NFL. Watching Henderson at practice, he looks like a slightly shorter version of Cam Erving, who moved from defensive tackle early in his Florida State career and wound up starting at left tackle and center for the Seminoles before getting picked by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2015 draft.

Negatives?

I think most of the complaints were about his overall size. He's probably closer to 6'4" than his listed 6'5", and while the arm length is elite the width between his feet is a limiting factor. NFL Draft Buzz also said he has a tendency to stop those feet after initial contact, and also caught him getting impatient. The big one though was they thought he'll "have trouble with elite quickness at the next level."

The Draft Network wanted to see him add more upper-body strength and not be so reliant on timing his punch.

One area of concern for LaDarius Henderson is closing his hand carriage to prevent access to his chest. He tends to leave himself unprotected versus power rushes for him to retreat and recover to anchor. His pad level can be inconsistent—he doesn’t always attack with proper leverage. This interrupts his ability to drive his feet in the run game. Quick-punch timing can increase his effectiveness with blocks, especially with his hand strength. I believe Henderson could benefit from adding more functional upper-body strength at the next level.

Pro Football Network also said he "can struggle with pad level at times."

Leverage is a pressing concern, and that’s the main component weighing down his score. He can also seek further refinement with his hand usage and footwork, particularly as a pass protector. But with Henderson, you have all the physical components you need to develop an impact starter at offensive guard in the NFL. … His tendency to play too tall severely impacts his efficiency at [pulling]. But once he becomes more consistent at managing his pad level and effectively leveraging his power, look out — because he can be a dominant force on the interior.

Draft projection if he stayed?

As noted, Pro Football Network thought 31st overall (as a guard). That was an outlier however. Antonio Daniels said mid 4th round while noting other sites put Henderson in UDFA territory.

Why wasn't he at left tackle?

This is what I'd like to know. It's surprising that they couldn't find a guard on the roster who was better than Isaia Glass, who started the year rotating at LT with their new D-II transfer, or RT Des Holmes, who moved inside to RG when they lost Henderson (the RG moved to LG and the D-II transfer started at RT). Even the up-transfer from Northern State (this has to be a made up school), Emmit Bohle looked like a substantial downgrade from Henderson out there. There's an article from Bohle's transfer where Henderson admits the 6'7"/290 D-II former TE is faster than himself. I guess ASU just had a lot more tackles than playable guards.

Also from Waxahachie, Texas: Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com, my go-to site for learning about defensive coverages, and one of the feature authors in this year's HTTV.

Etc. Ran track (literally ran) in high school. Probably got really happy when they told him Michigan has a nutritionist who won't just stuff him full of PB&J. Married to Jon Kitna's daughter.

Why Maurice Williams? One-year marvel who used that one year of starting for Michigan to prove he's an NFL tackle despite being 6'4" or 6'5", setting the standard for great Michigan OLs in the process. For those of you don't remember offensive linemen from 23 years ago, Williams was a DT who had some eligibility issues mid-career but emerged to be a star tackle on the 2000 offensive line that we still consider the best or second-best (people who know about the 1941 Seven Oaks Post know) Michigan OL of all time.

Williams was at RT (Jeff Backus was the LT), but like Henderson was short for the position (6'5"/302) with arms that were absolutely tackle-length, and athleticism and strength that were absolutely NFL-caliber. Williams went in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft and started 100 games over the next decade, most of them at tackle, but occasionally at guard.

Other options were Olu Oluwatimi but a guard who's going to play tackle, Jon Runyan Jr., Mason Cole, or Jalen Mayfield.

Guru Reliability: Exacting. NFL scouts projecting a longtime Power 5 starter to the NFL. You don't get better than that.

Variance: Medium-low. There's a concern that his transition back to left tackle won't go smoothly. That concern is minimal considering how often Michigan plays with tight ends and essentially has the tackle doing stuff that lighter teams do with their guards.

Ceiling: Spectacular. Olu the tackle.

Flight Risk Level: Not detected. Henderson only has one year left and he's coming here to use it. The only thing that could push him out the door is if another tackle passes him in fall camp, but I don't think that's happening.

General Excitement Level: Oluwatimishing. Baseline 5; –1 for pad level, –1 for transitioning to left tackle, +1 for team captain, +1 for the arms, +1 for the punch, +1 for the agility, +1 for high awareness, +1 for one of the best pullers in college, +1 for could have been one of the top guards in the draft this year and came back to college because he thinks he can do better than that.

Projection: Olu the tackle. I won't say he wins the Outland Trophy because there are so many variables in that sort of thing, but Henderson is already one of the best five linemen in the conference, and that's despite playing next to (one good center and) a bunch of goombas for a program their AD was using to give Herm Edwards (a nice guy and all) a cushy retirement project. AND he started that career as a year-too-young-for-his-grade, more-raw-than-most true freshman forced onto the field with nothing more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to anchor him down. There's a LOT more upside with Henderson than you'd expect from a 5th year who's going in to his fourth as a starter, and exploring every inch of that ceiling is the only reason Henderson is at Michigan instead of the NFL or a pay-for-play outfit right now. All Big Ten, 25% shot at All-American, and goes in the 2nd round next year en route to a decade in the League.