previous page I’m sure Herschel is proud of what he has accomplished and the success he has had at this point of his life. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that he has already earned his NU degree? Certainly much to be proud of. But there is humbleness to Herschel that allows him to remember how he got to where he is; a never forgetting of those before him.  Each time he goes home he visits the resting places of his grandparents and there he prays.  He also still likes to challenge his ole man at the firing range in target practicing. And he still has time to go out with his family to eat, preferably at the Mexican Casa la or a steak house. Without a doubt, Herschel is a Cat player that his parents, teammates, Coaches, and all Cat fans can be proud of. #24 is more than a number, it’s Herschel Henderson....and I'm proud to introduce him to you through my interview with him below:

***Interview***

Turk: Seems the D. Backfield took more than their fair share of injuries last year but now we have you, Tarver, and Cole, all back and healthy this year. As fans we are excited about this unit.  As players is there a goal for this unit in each game or something specifically you guys will be focused on? Herschel: To say the least, each of us knows very well about how the D-backs played on last year.  Gone are Backes, Price, Ward and now Brian.  Certainly we will miss Brian, because we all were counting on him for this

Herschel with mom, Yvonne

season.  I can only wish Brian a full recovery and his loss does remove some experience and talent.  However, I see this as an opportunity for the rest of us to step up and play harder.  We entered camp knowing Jeff wouldn’t be with us due to his injury, but Brian’s injury caught us totally off guard.  Football has taught me not to plan on the next game, but to focus only on one game at a time. I think we will be fine, because we are tested in practice against Brett, who in my opinion is one of the best passers in collegiate football.  Our goal is; to not let our teammates down and give everything we have on each and every play. Turk: Why did you decide to return for a 5th year?  Tell us about the process of deciding to return. Herschel:    I returned for a 5th year because I love the game of football and I like the atmosphere at Northwestern.  I played my sophomore year with ankle and knee injuries and was not 100%.  Then in 2003, I injured my knee in camp and it was frustrating to me not being able to run up to my own expectations.  I was out the full season, trying to get myself healthy.  I have high expectations for myself this year and I’m excited about my teammates.  However, last year our d-backfield made improvements over the previous year. We had more experience at that point.  My decision to return was quite easy for me.  The coaches demonstrated their desire to have me back which I am truly grateful along with the opportunity to play at the level that I know I am capable of playing.  I know that if I play up to my own expectations, then I will be making a great contribution towards helping my teammates win some games.  Being a Wildcat for the past 4 years has been a rewarding experience for me.  Nothing has come easy, but it has all been fair opportunity for me.  Many of my teammates that I started with have since moved on and several up to the next level.  Hopefully, I can play well enough to create an opportunity to give myself a shot at the next level.  Most of all, I like football; I have my degree and the football program is a good program which I am comfortable. Turk: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans? Herschel:    We will be somewhat younger in the secondary experience wise considering the last couple of years, but never doubt we are not giving our best effort.  We have the talent and as we learn to play as a group, the fans will see us getting better each game.  We need the continuing support of our fans as we face the challenges of this upcoming season.  I’m confident we will play well as a unit!