Henry focused on defensive line growth
After redshirting his first year with Clemson, defensive end K.J. Henry has entered the spring and summer months looking to build on his experience from 2018 and compete for a larger role on a stingy D-line that made significant contributions to the Tigers’ national championship season as the fifth-best defense in the nation.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound end, who hails from West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, N.C., came to Clemson ranked the No. 6 player in the country by ESPN and the No. 3 defensive end by 247Sports. He recorded nine tackles in four regular season games in 2018, including a fumble recovery.
Although he did not take any snaps during the College Football Playoff, he said just being on the field and supporting the players in the postseason helped keep him motivated for the future.
“I was very excited to get out there,” Henry said about the playoff experience during a press conference this past spring. ”Even though I didn't play, I was just excited to be a part of it. … Just going out there, it gives a goal for each year.”
He said he was ready to show what he could do on the field in front of coaches and fans leading up to the spring game, which took place in April at Death Valley stadium. The White team, led by sophomore Chase Brice, felled the Orange team by a score of 30-10.
“I think that's what I learned because when you're a young guy coming in, you're just anxious and wanting to prove yourself,” he said. “And a lot of times, you step out of just doing your job, and so, I've learned to just settle down and just try and do my job to the best of my ability.”
Henry is joined on the line by fellow ends, junior Justin Foster and sophomore Xavier Thomas, and tackles, senior Nyles Pinckney and sophomore Jordan Williams, all of whom are projected to be starters in Brent Venables' core 4-3 defense. Behind these four players, the Tigers’ D-line experience thins out, and Henry could find himself in competition for snaps as the 2019 season progresses.
The Tigers defense allowed just 4.19 yards per play in 15 games in 2018, second only to Mississippi State’s top-ranked defense. Clemson allowed a total of 286 yards per game for the season.
Henry indicated that he welcomes competition on the defensive side of the ball because it can make the team better overall.
“I think out of all the positions, we have one of the most competitive groups,” Henry said about the defensive line. “Obviously, we have guys that are trying to fill spots, but we have good guys that are trying to fill spots, and all the way down the board.
“And so, just, we're all making each other better, and I think that's the best part about all of our group,” he continued. “... Obviously, it's a competition to get out there, but I mean, in a sense, we know, as long as we keep working, we're going to play. So we're just trying to build up our unit, to make sure we're doing our part of the defense.”
He said he and his fellow players were “eager” to improve and compete in 2019.
“(We’re) ready to be a part of something big,” he said. “And that's just what we're going to work for all summer.”
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