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UCF DB Henderson Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
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- UCF DB Henderson Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
Through three weeks, the UCF defense looks connected and dynamic, forcing turnovers and allowing just 16 points per game to opposing offenses.
The linebacking duo of Tackett Curtis and Lewis Carter have been consistent in the middle, while the defensive backfield has been anchored by seniors like Antione Jackson and Demari Henderson.
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Henderson was the star of Saturday's 44-30 victory over Georgia State, recording two interceptions and adding seven tackles.
With his two picks, he became the second Knight to have two or more multi-interception games in the last 18 years and just the fourth in program history , according to UCF Football's X account.
On Monday, Henderson was rewarded for his performance, being named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week.
This is the first weekly honor of the year for UCF, who is entering Big 12 play on a high note.
Both of Henderson's takeaways came in the fourth quarter, helping the Knights thwart Georgia State's comeback effort.
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His first came with UCF winning by just one score, giving the Knights' offense a short field which resulted in a field goal.
Later, he effectively ended the game, intercepting a Georgia State pass in the endzone and celebrating with his team.
Following the game, Henderson was very humble about his performance, shouting out his teammates for putting him in situations to succeed.
Henderson also addressed the second-half defensive switch that happened after surrendering 24 points in the first half.
"Turnovers win games," Henderson said. "So we had to go out there and make some turnovers and that's what we did."
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Heading into a pivotal Big 12 opener against TCU , Henderson and the Knights' defense will have their hands full with a passing attack beginning to find it's stride.
Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig got off to a slow start in the College Football opener in Ireland, but has begun to find his footing with his new team.
Craig has thrown for at least 337 yards in his past two games, throwing for three touchdowns in the Horned Frogs' 31-7 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday.
But, Craig did throw his first interception of the season, perhaps opening the door for UCF's ball-hawking secondary to take advantage of an ill-advised decision.
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If Henderson can continue to play at this high level, he could play his way into NFL contention.
His combination of ball skills and length allows him to move in and out of the slot and outside, giving him advantages against different types of receivers.
