Inside Seantrel Henderson's Recruitment

SI Staff | Feb 4, 2010

Inside Seantrel Henderson's Recruitment

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Seantrel Henderson, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound behemoth offensive tackle, entered National Signing Day as the highest-ranked uncommitted recruit in the country. Considered the best prospect at his position and the No. 2 overall recruit by Rivals.com, Henderson drew interest from many of the nation's elite, including Ohio State, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame and USC. At 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, Henderson finally ended the suspense, announcing on national television his intention to sign with Lane Kiffin and the Trojans.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

The Trojans pulled out all the stops in their attempt to land Henderson, as defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, head coach Lane Kiffin, offensive line coach James Cregg and assistant coach Ed Orgeron piled into the Henderson's living room to make their case.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

USC assistant Ed Orgeron has long been known for his recruiting prowess. Here, Orgeron and Henderson hold up Trojans jerseys featuring Henderson's number, 77.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Lane and Monte Kiffin have proven they are a formidable recruiting force, securing impressive classes last year at Tennessee and this year at USC.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Schools nationwide made furious pushes to secure Henderson's services during the final stages of the recruitment process.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Brian Kelly had succeeded at Cincinnati by recruiting under-the-radar talents who fit his system. But the new Notre Dame coach still made a strong push for the Midwestern standout.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Henderson's family played an active role in his recruitment, sitting in on meetings with Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly and others.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Henderson got a taste of what his number would look like on a Minnesota jersey during his visit to the Golden Gophers' football complex.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Minnesota was never favored to land Henderson, but the hometown team gave Henderson a taste of Golden Gophers athletics with tickets to the Michigan State-Minnesota game.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

With Florida coach Urban Meyer unable to hit the recruiting trail, assistant Dan McCarney attempted to sell Henderson and his family on the Gators program.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Though Henderson took his last official visit to Miami, head coach Randy Shannon also left sunny Southern Florida to attempt to sell Henderson on the Hurricanes.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Henderson was reminded of Ohio State's recent dominance, as Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel wore his Big Ten championship ring on his visit to the Henderson home.

Courtesy of Henderson family/Vincent Muzik

Jim Tressel made himself at home with the Henderson family; he was the only visiting coach who left his shoes by the door.

Danny Wild/MaxPreps.com

Henderson capped an eventful National Signing Day by announcing on national TV his intention to sign with USC.