Chris Henry Article

[cHaD711Johnson]

http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2004/Pl..._ChrisHenry.htm

Who is Chris Henry? ... When Rich Rodriguez became the head coach of West Virginia four years ago, there was some thought that he'd install a high-octane passing attack after his time spent as the offensive coordinator under Tommy Bowden at Clemson and Tulane. A funny thing happened though; West Virginia became more deadly than ever running the ball.

Players like Avon Cobourne and Quincy Wilson have helped make the Mountaineers among the nation's leading teams in rushing over the last few years, and even QB Rasheed Marshall has been even been more effective as a runner than a passer.

This year, there should be more of a shift to a balanced attack thanks to one of the premier weapons in the Big East and one of the rising star deep threat receivers in all of college football; junior WR Chris Henry.

After not doing anything as a freshman as a prop 48 case and not catching a ball in the 2003 opener against Wisconsin, Henry exploded as a touchdown machine scoring on his first three receptions. It's no coincidence that West Virginia's season turned around when Henry turned it on following up a 1-4 start with seven straight wins to close out the regular season as Henry started stretching defenses allowing the running game more room to move.

He was far more than simply a decoy to help the ground attack, he was a playmaker overshadowed by playing in the same conference as Larry Fitzgerald. "He's not just a deep threat though," said Marshall. "He's a playmaker on a consistent basis."

Even after a 41 catch, ten-touchdown season averaging 24.5 yards per grab, Henry is expected to be even better and one of the new national stars.

"Chris had a good season, but he's still learning," said WR coach Steve Bird. "His impact as a football player is still ahead of him"

Henry's best game so far was ... in the 34-23 win over Syracuse. Henry exploded for 209 yards and two touchdowns on six catches. Both of his scores came in the fourth quarter helping the Mountaineers pull away for good on a 24-yard grab and putting it away on a 67-yard strike.

Why you should care about Chris Henry ... There might not be a better pure deep threat in college football, and there might not be a better scorer. With Miami and Virginia Tech gone, the Big East and a BCS slot is there for the taking, and Henry could be the difference as a dangerous enough player to take the focus off of Kay Jay Harris and the West Virginia running attack to be even more deadly than ever.

Positives about Henry ... Henry has excellent size at 6-5 and close to 200 pounds with the deep speed to strike from anywhere on the field with his speed and athleticism. He's a top home run hitter who has the hands to make tough catches as well. He's just scratching the surface on his potential. As Rodriguez put it, "as a coach, he makes you look good."

Negatives about Henry ... There's still work to be done. He's a decent blocker, but not as good as he could be. As good as he was last year, he had his least productive games against the top corners making four catches for 75 yards against both Miami and Pittsburgh and three catches for 46 yards in the two games against Maryland. He didn't score in any of those games. He won't sneak up on anyone this year as a marked man in the Mountaineer offense.

A cool thing about Henry that you probably didn't know ... As a senior at Belle Chasse High School in Louisiana, Henry caught 61 passes for 1,083 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also made 73 tackles and picked off six passes returning four for scores.

Career statistics

2003: 41 catches for 1,006 yards and ten touchdowns (24.5 ypg average)

[BengalPappaw]

IMHO the question about Chris Henry is NOT his physical skills-- but instead his maturity and mental skills.

He throws fits like a child. IMO some of those fits were "overblown" by the TV folks.

His Wonderlic score was 9 -- that is NOT a good score (Chris Gamble had a 7 last year) and could either be a reflection on his education or how serious he was about the test (which is IMO is a reflection of this lack of maturity). As long as he can learn his pass routes and recognize coverages -- I'll be happy.

BUT, I am really glad he has a chance with the Bengals, because I believe he can, with the right role model and mentor, be the "threat opposite CJ".

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Count me as someone who is not all that impressed with Henry.

[Chucktkd]

That was college....They are more stricht with the rules.

Bryan Cox used to run his mouth so much that even the most crude players wondered what his problem was.

[BengalsOwn]

I'm excited to see what Henry can do.

Kelley Washington had serious maturity issues outta college, and he hasn't caused any problems (even though I think he's an idiot, and his dance is an embarassment to the city of Cincinnati).

Chad Johnson has maturity issues, but that really hasn't caused any problems.

Bryan Robinson has multiple DUI's, and was accused of sexual assault on another man, but nobody here is complaining about him.

I could go on. Character issues are over rated in my opinion.

[BENGAL]

I'm excited to see what Henry can do.

Kelley Washington had serious maturity issues outta college, and he hasn't caused any problems (even though I think he's an idiot, and his dance is an embarassment to the city of Cincinnati).

Chad Johnson has maturity issues, but that really hasn't caused any problems.

Bryan Robinson has multiple DUI's, and was accused of sexual assault on another man, but nobody here is complaining about him.

I could go on. Character issues are over rated in my opinion.

I disagree. I think a players character and work ethic are just as important as his talent. Every player on that field represents that entire team and this city. I certainly do not want someone on this team who's behavior is going to reflect poorly on our team. I think ML also appreciates character and work ethic as much as talent.

[CTBengalsFan]

That speed and height is really a deadly combination. If his head is screwed on right at all he should prosper in this situation.

[BengalsOwn]

I'm excited to see what Henry can do.

Kelley Washington had serious maturity issues outta college, and he hasn't caused any problems (even though I think he's an idiot, and his dance is an embarassment to the city of Cincinnati).

Chad Johnson has maturity issues, but that really hasn't caused any problems.

Bryan Robinson has multiple DUI's, and was accused of sexual assault on another man, but nobody here is complaining about him.

I could go on. Character issues are over rated in my opinion.

I disagree. I think a players character and work ethic are just as important as his talent. Every player on that field represents that entire team and this city. I certainly do not want someone on this team who's behavior is going to reflect poorly on our team. I think ML also appreciates character and work ethic as much as talent.

Hence:

Drafting Odell Thurman and Chris Henry.

Signing Bryan Robinson.

Extending the contract of Chad Johnson.

Yeah, Marvin is real big on character All he cares about is what a guy can contribute to the team. And that is all we should care about as well.

[JPW]

Chris Henry: "Enigma who has the physical tools and production of a Top 10 Pick but the maturity of an undrafted free agent".

Well ML said that the team spent countless hours looking into his character issues.

Then followed it up by bring him in to town and talking to him about it face to face.

The bottom line ...

Mavin is satisfied that they will not have a problem working with the kid.

He has a Huge Upside and was well worth taking the chance on.

Personally I think that the kid will Look Great in STRIPES ...

[vman1186]

He's worth the risk because of his huge upside. We are not desperate at WR so it makes sense to take a few chances, since we can afford failure at that position. He could be the "deep threat opposite Chad Johnson." I'm glad we took in round 3 and not 2.

[Sox]

I'm excited to see what Henry can do.

Kelley Washington had serious maturity issues outta college, and he hasn't caused any problems (even though I think he's an idiot, and his dance is an embarassment to the city of Cincinnati).

Chad Johnson has maturity issues, but that really hasn't caused any problems.

Bryan Robinson has multiple DUI's, and was accused of sexual assault on another man, but nobody here is complaining about him.

I could go on. Character issues are over rated in my opinion.

I disagree. I think a players character and work ethic are just as important as his talent. Every player on that field represents that entire team and this city. I certainly do not want someone on this team who's behavior is going to reflect poorly on our team. I think ML also appreciates character and work ethic as much as talent.

Henry does not have a character or work ethic problem.Where are you coming up with this?

His issues are a maturity problem.Flipping off fans after getting hit by a beer,throwing a tantrum after his QB misses him deep twice on consecutive deep plays.He has never beat up anyone,been in trouble with the law,or been accused of assaulting anyone-male or female.

He gets frustrated on the field,and that is mostly what has been seen.He needs to learn to CHILL when a play doesn't work out,or when opposing fans taunt him.That is his only problem.

Marvin wouldn't take a chance if he didn't think he could rein this emotional kid in.

I'm a big Mountaineer fan,having been born and raised there.I've watched him for two years.

Marvin will either force this kid to grow up,or cut him.If it's the former,the AFC North will have a real headache on their hands trying to gameplan for both Chad and CH over the next few years.

[R-U-D-I]

Sounds to me a lot like CJ when he came out... He turned out, okay...

[membengal]

That speed and height is really a deadly combination. If his head is screwed on right at all he should prosper in this situation.

Yes.

Absolutely.

He's tall and fast. Taller and faster than K-Wash apparently. Absolutley worth the flier in the third round.

Can't wait to see pics of him running his first routes this weekend at rookie mini-camp.

[Shuffle4Ever]

Face it -

1. These guys typically come from difficult backgrounds the likes of which most of us can only imagine.

2. Around the time that most of us are beginning to learn the basic life lessons of being independent and responsible, many college athletes are learning all of the wrong lessons via under-the-table booster gifts, phony class credit, etc.

So forget about stocking your pro sports franchise with people who have the same world view and work ethic as the nine-to-fivers that most of us here are.

That said, it's foolish for a franchise to invest a pick and the resulting dollars in a guy that they think is a risk for prolonged problems on or off the field. If Marvin picks a guy, you've got to believe that the organization feels that the benefits outweigh the risks. What some reporter terms immature outbursts on the field an NFL coach may see as a competitive fire waiting to be guided in the right direction.

What I'm saying is, while I don't expect the team to be a bunch of church-going choirboys, I'm also not buying into the cynical idea that Marvin is willing to pick up thugs in order to win games. He's basically the boss of this team, and therefore ultimately responsible for its employees - he's not going to set up the team to look bad because it will reflect badly on himself.

So if Henry throws tantrums, pair him up with a veteran, give him some extra coaching away from the field about his behavior - help him grow up. As long as he doesn't tick off his teammates to the point that they can't respect him enough to co-exist, he'll be fine.

Bye bye, Kelley Washington - you're free to over-celebrate every meaningless first down elsewhere.

[cHaD711Johnson]

I'm excited to see what Henry can do.

Kelley Washington had serious maturity issues outta college, and he hasn't caused any problems (even though I think he's an idiot, and his dance is an embarassment to the city of Cincinnati).

Chad Johnson has maturity issues, but that really hasn't caused any problems.

Bryan Robinson has multiple DUI's, and was accused of sexual assault on another man, but nobody here is complaining about him.

I could go on. Character issues are over rated in my opinion.

I disagree. I think a players character and work ethic are just as important as his talent. Every player on that field represents that entire team and this city. I certainly do not want someone on this team who's behavior is going to reflect poorly on our team. I think ML also appreciates character and work ethic as much as talent.

Hence:

Drafting Odell Thurman and Chris Henry.

Signing Bryan Robinson.

Extending the contract of Chad Johnson.

Yeah, Marvin is real big on character All he cares about is what a guy can contribute to the team. And that is all we should care about as well.

I don't think that signifies he doesn't care about character, it says that Marvin thinks he can impact these guys and get them to change. He has already worked wonders with Chad, why doubt him now with the pick of Chris Henry. He is just another weapon added to our Super Bowl XL team!!

[derekshank]

I think Marvin is interested in guys who are committed to winning. Maybe these guys are guys who run their mouths a lot, but that is the NFL. Marvin drafts guys liek David Pollack, who everyone likes, because he is a hard working kid, with a great attitude. I think though that Chad Johnson is also a hard working kid, and that his attitude is simply misjudged, because of how he acts out.

Marvin took him aside two years ago, and told him that his endzone antics were hurting the team, and CJ actually cried. That shows the kind of passion Lewis is looking for. Henry is passionate on the field, not like Randy Moss, who doesn't care unless he can put the spotlight on himself.

Granted, I have never seen Henry play, so he might be a punk. But my guess is that he has no problem with work ethic. A lot of these guys that seem like problems actually want what is best for the team, they just have to learn to let other guys do some of the work. So, lets wait and see what happens before saying that Marvin doesn't care about character. I think that is exactly why he is bringing these guys in. They are passionate.

[BengalsOwn]

I think Marvin is interested in guys who are committed to winning. Maybe these guys are guys who run their mouths a lot, but that is the NFL. Marvin drafts guys liek David Pollack, who everyone likes, because he is a hard working kid, with a great attitude. I think though that Chad Johnson is also a hard working kid, and that his attitude is simply misjudged, because of how he acts out.

Marvin took him aside two years ago, and told him that his endzone antics were hurting the team, and CJ actually cried. That shows the kind of passion Lewis is looking for. Henry is passionate on the field, not like Randy Moss, who doesn't care unless he can put the spotlight on himself.

Granted, I have never seen Henry play, so he might be a punk. But my guess is that he has no problem with work ethic. A lot of these guys that seem like problems actually want what is best for the team, they just have to learn to let other guys do some of the work. So, lets wait and see what happens before saying that Marvin doesn't care about character. I think that is exactly why he is bringing these guys in. They are passionate.

I'm not doubting the Henry pick.

However, the pick just goes to show that character is over rated by us regular fans.

[andybren]

Extending the contract of Chad Johnson.

I hate to put too fine a point on this discussion, but I see a difference between "character issues" and "maturity issues".

Certainly Chad Johnson displayed some immaturity early on (and maybe still does), but I don't think anybody with knowledge of his current work ethic, his devotion to the team, would question his character. He is a character, no doubt, but I for one, wouldn't hesitate to invite him to Thanksgiving dinner.

I do, however, have problems with players who bring a bad attitude to the football field, are lazy, play dirty, or otherwise let down their fans and teammates. I also would prefer not to root for guys who I know are criminals and/or thugs in their private life, regardless of how many yards they can gain or sacks they can accumulate. But people do make mistakes, especially when they are young and lack good mentors/role models. And if a kid with a history wants to work his a$$ off for my favorite team and use his paycheck to turn his life around, then I think he deserves that second chance. That, in a nutshell, is my take on Odell Thurman. I'll give the guy a chance. And I hope he takes advantage of the one Marvin has given him, because I'd hate to have the next Ray Lewis on my team if I have to take the murder conspiracy, too.

As for Chris Henry, yes, he is immature. There's little doubt in that. But he's not Carl Pickens. He's not being counted upon to carry the weight of a team that's desperate to scrape together 3 or 4 wins. He could very well turn out to be the next Kelley Washington (or worse), but it's not like that would ruin the team's chance at getting to the next level. In my book, it's a safe gamble.

[schweinhart]

Maturity seems the greater issue w/ Henry...Whether he'll sit on his 3rd round coin or bust his hump to get ready for a supporting role that would lead to much, much greater importance if P-Dub and K-Dub exit the scene

[BengalsDieHard1]

Wonderlic score of 9?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!

My dog could probably score higher than that!!!

We really drafted a dumb a@@....wont last 2 season.....mark my words

[volcom69]

If Henry had a qb in collage who could get him the ball more instead of running with it all the time his numbers would be crazy. I watched him a couple of times play he looked great, but the qb could never get him the ball. So i cant wait till Palmer can throw him the ball to see what he can do, i personally think it will be exciting to see him play with a real qb who can get him the ball.

[AbeVigoda]

Wonderlic score of 9?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!

My dog could probably score higher than that!!!

We really drafted a dumb a@@....wont last 2 season.....mark my words

Past draftees with low Wonderlic scores:

Kellen Winslow, Miami - 12

Sean Taylor, Miami (FL) - 10

Vince Wilfork, Miami (FL) - 10

Chris Gamble, Ohio State - 9

Matthias Askew, Michigan State - 10

Dan Marino - 14

Randall Cunningham - 15

Steve McNair - 15

Donovan McNabb - 12

Daunte Culpepper - 15

JP Losman- 14

Just a sample of guys who did not do well on the test. I would take most of them. And just to prove how effective this test is at predicting a prospect's future in the league:

Akili Smith -37

[bengalindian]

What's the Wonderlic? Is it a personality or IQ sort of test?

Thanks

[AGrizzlyBaer]

Just a sample of guys who did not do well on the test. I would take most of them. And just to prove how effective this test is at predicting a prospect's future in the league:

Akili Smith -37

and then he scored a 13 on it the second time, hence he cheated the first time ...

[AGrizzlyBaer]

What's the Wonderlic? Is it a personality or IQ sort of test?

Thanks

its a test given to potential players, check over on the nfl discussion there should be a sample of it still there... i think a 50 is perfect... but im not certian