Centennial quarterback out to earn some respect from recruiters

By Steve Silver

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 | 1 a.m.

Chris Henderson might be the best quarterback in the valley you've never heard of.

Despite running Centennial's college-ready spread offense and completing 57 percent of his passes for more than 1,000 yards last season, the third-year starter is an oft-overlooked quarterback among college recruiters.

That slight is due largely to those recruiters' inability to see Henderson – literally.

At 5-foot-9, 178-pounds, Henderson knows his small stature will force him to move to defensive back in order to compete on Saturdays.

"It's my height, I know that," Henderson said. "I understand that quarterbacks are supposed to be taller than I am. I just wish I were taller, then I'd get a chance to get noticed."

Entering into his senior season at Centennial, Henderson has received some attention from UNLV and Northern Arizona to play defensive back or a Wildcat receiver type on offense.

But Henderson's height is not the only factor detracting from his college prospects.

Most Division I schools outside of this area have yet to send Henderson a letter of interest primarily because he can't afford to travel around the country to pricey scouting combines.

"Most kids don't get the chance to travel to the scouts," Henderson said. "They don't have the money or the resources to get out there. I've been to California once, but that's it. I can't go anywhere else."

Although dominating on Friday nights has nearly morphed into an afterthought in the non-stop and expensive college recruiting process, Henderson remains focused on returning Centennial's football program to the playoffs.

The Bulldogs, who have never won a state championship, finished with a paltry 4-6 record last season, including a 2-5 Northwest Division showing. Henderson completed 93 of 162 passes for 1,068 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran for 316 yards and two touchdowns.

"I haven't made the playoffs yet, so we have to do that," Henderson said. "We don't want to go to the playoffs, we expect to go to the playoffs. Our chances are pretty high this year. This is a much better team than past Centennial teams."

Even though the Bulldogs will have to topple perennial powerhouses such as Palo Verde, Cheyenne and Cimarron-Memorial to snag a postseason spot, Centennial will benefit from a talented group of sophomores and juniors this season.

Both the Centennial freshman and junior varsity squads went undefeated last season.

"Right now we are looking for a pretty breakout season," said coach George Baker. "… The keys to our season this year are pretty much going to be the young kids stepping up."

The Bulldogs intend to utilize Henderson's prowess in the spread offense once again, but Baker said he wants to use his quarterback's athletic ability in other offensive roles as well.

"We are feeling a lot better about his protection from the offensive line this year," Baker said. "So we are looking forward to (Henderson) getting some recognition and maybe you'll see him lining up at other positions than quarterback too."

No matter where Henderson ends up on the field, despite his height and lack of national reputation, he will make sure that everyone sees him – his team and future depends on it.

"Colleges can move me wherever they want, but this year I'm going to be the best quarterback in this area," Henderson said. "I want to make it to college so I can get an education."

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or [email protected].