News Summary
Old Dominion University linebacker Jason Henderson has been named to the Lombardi Award and Bednarik Award Watch Lists due to his outstanding performance this season. Henderson, a two-time All-American, led the nation in tackles last year and is noted for his significant contributions to the team. Despite a previous injury, he remains optimistic and focused on his recovery as the Monarchs prepare for the upcoming season. The linebacker has also been recognized on several other watch lists, solidifying his place among the top players in college football.
Norfolk, VA – Old Dominion University linebacker Jason Henderson has been recognized for his exceptional performance on the field this season, being named to the prestigious Lombardi Award and Bednarik Award Watch Lists. The announcement was made by the respective organizations on Monday, further solidifying Henderson’s reputation as one of the top players in college football.
Henderson, a two-time All-American, has had a notable career at Old Dominion, where he has consistently excelled as a key defensive player. After a redshirt year in 2024, during which he played only one game, Henderson returned to form in 2022, leading the nation with an impressive 186 tackles. His performance earned him first-team All-Sun Belt honors and second-team All-America accolades that same year.
In the following year, 2023, Henderson continued to dominate, recording 170 tackles – an average of 14.2 tackles per game, placing him at the top of the national rankings. Additionally, he ranked third in the country with an average of 1.6 tackles for loss per game. His contributions on the field secured him first-team All-America and first-team All-Sun Belt honors for the 2023 season.
This latest recognition adds to Henderson’s growing list of accolades, marking the fourth and fifth watch list nominations for the fall of this year. In addition to the Lombardi and Bednarik Awards, he has also been named to the Walter Camp Award, Butkus Award, and Nagurski Trophy Watch Lists. His dominance at the linebacker position has led to his selection as a preseason first-team All-Sun Belt player.
Henderson is from Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, and has made significant contributions to Old Dominion’s football program, setting multiple records including single-season tackles, career tackles with a total of 439, and a single-game record of 22 tackles during a match against Georgia Southern in 2022.
The Old Dominion Monarchs are gearing up to open their fall camp on Wednesday, August 30, with expectations high for the upcoming season. The team’s season opener will take place against Indiana. Henderson’s recovery process has been in focus since he suffered a significant knee injury during the regular-season finale against Georgia State on November 25, 2023. Despite this setback, he made an attempt to return to play in 2024, appearing in a game against South Carolina.
This season, Henderson has emphasized the importance of improved communication with his coaches and training staff as part of his preparation. While he acknowledges that he is not yet at 100% health, he feels optimistic about the significant improvements in his knee condition. His decision to remain with Old Dominion, despite interest from larger programs, showcases his comfort within the existing support system and coaching staff.
As the Monarchs look ahead to the new season, Henderson remains focused on the present moment and is determined to contribute to his team’s success. With a strong determination to recover fully and maintain his performance level, he continues to be a key player to watch in the upcoming college football season.
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- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Old Dominion Sports
- Google Search: Jason Henderson Old Dominion
- WTKR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Pilot Online
- Google News: Jason Henderson
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