Hendrick excited, cautious as start of second season approaches

COLUMBIA——Sitting in his office Saturday afternoon (Aug. 7), on the campus of Benedict College, John Hendrick greeted my arrival with a hearty handshake which underscored his enthusiastic participation in an interview that would last for approximately 22 minutes.

It is that time of the year again and the former Mississippi State assistant, who is heading into his second year at the helm of the BC Tigers football program, was all geared up to talk about his 2004 gridders, who he believes have the potential to be a special group.

But, Hendrick, who led the Tigers to a 6-5 finish at the conclusion of the ’03 schedule, which was the first winning season for the school since football was re-instated in 1995, though pumped up, discussed his current situation in Tiger Country with a lot of notice about the unknown.

“I really like this team,” exclaimed the still new BC grid boss, of his participants for the coming campaign. “They’re good kids, who’re working really hard. This makes my and the rest of the coaches job a lot easier to do.

“We might be better than the team that had a winning season (last year). But, we also might be better and not win as many games (as we did then). The thing that has me excited is the ability of the players we have in camp. We have speed, size, quickness and strength, which should help us to be an (overall) improved team, as the season goes on.”

Citing what he perceives to be the strength of his (’04) squad, Hendrick, without hesitation, revealed that it was defense; particularly the deep secondary part of it.

“I really get excited when I talk about the defensive side of the football; especially the DBs we have (in camp) like Jessie Owens, Gerard Washington and Tony Wilson....people who can offer us a lot of help,” said the Tigers head mentor.

“Last season, we were a little small along the defensive line but we do have better size this year. I expect us to be a lot better at those positions by the time we’ve played a few games.

“The linebacker position, with players like Calleb Obumba, Bryant Suber and Adrian Henderson, should add some strength to our defense, as well,” Hendrick added.

“As a whole, I expect us to be a little better on that side of the ball. But, at this point, you can’t be too sure until we go against people other than ourselves.”

Shifting his attention to the offensive side of the ball, Hendrick indicated that the quarterback and running back positions will have to play major roles in helping the Tigers to become a more productive unit. However, he quickly pointed out that “O” linemen and receivers have to step up their game, as well, in support of team effort.

“When you look at us from an offensive standpoint, we have some players who we know can get the job done for us. However, as with some other positions, we don’t have the depth we need (for a full season),” said Hendrick. “I still like our chances on the offensive side of the ball and I expect us to get better over a period of time.

“The quarterback position with Calvert Drummond returning along with players in camp like Anthony Small, Marcus Kelly and Neiman Busch should bring about a lot of competition for playing time.

“As far as our backs are concerned, I feel good about them because of the return of Terrance Bunting, who is an outstanding running back. He, along with Rashidi Scott and Derrick Byrd provide us with great talent at the running back position,” Hendrick added.

In making a case for his receiver prospects, the second-year Tiger coach included names like tight end Santonio Cunningham and wide receivers James Fuller and Gerald Robinson as individuals who could be “difference makers” for the BC team this season.

Along the offensive line, Hendrick touts Jeremy Jones, Ryan Thomas and Stanley Wright as players with potential to make an impact on the effort of the team this year.

In the area of special teams play, Hendrick left little doubt that positive input from play ers involved in the kicking, punting and returns facet of the game will again be vital to the success of the ’04 squad.

Saying he welcomes competition opposite I-AA opponents, in South Carolina State and The Citadel, as well as the nine other teams his charges will face over the course of the 2004 schedule——including Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) foes——Hendrick rated the aforementioned slate as a “tough one to face.” Benedict opens the ’04 season on Saturday, Aug. 28 opposite Stillman College at Bolden Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
“If we expect to take our program to the next level, we have to face teams like the ones we’ll take on during the coming season,” offered the BC coach. “This is just the way it should be if you’re trying to get better.

“From an overall perspective, we expect our (upcoming) schedule to be a challenging one but at the same time, it’s an opportunity for us to do great things.

“So while I’m excited about the possibilities this season presents for us, I’m also aware of the many things that could go wrong. But, while this is true, I like this team. I really do!”

Source: SC Black News