Versatile Henderson Makes His IU Offensive Mark
10/21/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Josh Henderson is a running back. There's no doubting that. Consider the way he shrinks a room just by entering it. The Indiana senior is listed at 5-11 and 215 pounds with a physique that looks like it could survive a sledgehammer attack.
And yet, this North Carolina transfer has receiver skills, and has the plays to prove it.
"I pride myself on being a versatile back," he says. "That's a good weapon for this offense to have. Whenever they call my number, make sure I'm ready."
Henderson's readiness could help on Saturday when Indiana (3-4) plays at Rutgers (3-3) with a chance to snap a four-game losing streak.
"We recognize the season is not over," he says. "We still have stuff to fight for. This team has shown toughness and grit before. We're relying on each other and the coaching staff to have that buy in."
Henderson's buy-in includes 16 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Consider his 44-yard touchdown reception last Saturday against Maryland. He sent his Terrapin defender to the ground with a move that left Henderson wide open.
The problem -- quarterback Connor Bazelak was under heavy pressure and in no position to throw.
The happy ending -- he scrambled out of harm's way, looked down field, and found Henderson.
"It was a play we practice," Henderson says. "I was ready for it. I saw Connor make it out of the pocket and escape. We locked eyes. I figured he would throw it.
"It's a credit to him. It was a crazy throw when the pressure was on him. Without him, that play doesn't happen."
As a running back, Henderson has 52 carries for 211 yards and three TDs. Add his receiving numbers, and you get a dual-threat guy who can stress defenses, exactly what offensive coordinator Walt Bell wants in a balanced attack.
"I want to do whatever I can to help the offense get down the field and make some plays," Henderson says. "Coaches are putting me in position to make plays. I'm gaining their trust and my teammates' trust. That comes with being more consistent."
Consistency leads to this question -- does he prefer to run or catch?
"I like it all. It's all good for me."
It's also much appreciated.
"It's a blessing to have this kind of role," he says. "I pride myself on my hands. Them being able to utilize me and showcase my hands and show I can help this offense in more ways than one. It's special to have. I want to keep continuing to do that."
Head coach Tom Allen wants the same thing.
"He has been very productive. We have guys you target and say we have to get them involved, and his name is in that group.
"We love what he is able to do. He is scoring as a running back. He's catching and scoring in that regard, and doing lots of things. He's been way more explosive and dynamic and productive than anyone could have forecast. That's awesome for him and for us."
Henderson's versatility, the continued strong play of Shaun Shivers and the emergence of freshman Jaylin Lucas has IU playing with more two running back sets than at the start of the season.
"That's on purpose to get the best players on the field," Allen says.
IU showed a big offensive jump against Maryland. Its 33 points were two more than it had scored against Nebraska and Michigan combined.
Still, more is needed.
"We have to continue to improve and be more consistent," Henderson says. "We made it a priority to be more consistent as an offense (against Maryland). We're looking forward to the next challenge."
That challenge comes from a Rutgers defense that allows 22.0 points per game.
"We're excited for this week and the rest of the season because we know what we're capable of doing," Henderson says.
Allen also is excited about Hoosier capabilities. He insists the four-game losing streak hasn't broken their will to win.
"There is a lot of maturity from our team. There are a lot of hurting guys, frustrated guys, and guys that want to create change."
Adversity reveals character, he adds.
"The foundation of who you are gets exposed when things go wrong, and it also gets strengthened. It's an interesting process when difficulties arise in life and to a team. The very core of who you are has to be the foundation that you hold onto. That's your anchor when things are hard and rough and going against you."
Allen continues to push the message that with five remaining games, the six-win bowl eligibility goal is very much within reach.
"There is still a lot out there for us to play for. Our guys understand that. We've got to continue to learn from our mistakes and press on."
And yet, this North Carolina transfer has receiver skills, and has the plays to prove it.
"I pride myself on being a versatile back," he says. "That's a good weapon for this offense to have. Whenever they call my number, make sure I'm ready."
Henderson's readiness could help on Saturday when Indiana (3-4) plays at Rutgers (3-3) with a chance to snap a four-game losing streak.
"We recognize the season is not over," he says. "We still have stuff to fight for. This team has shown toughness and grit before. We're relying on each other and the coaching staff to have that buy in."
Henderson's buy-in includes 16 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Consider his 44-yard touchdown reception last Saturday against Maryland. He sent his Terrapin defender to the ground with a move that left Henderson wide open.
The problem -- quarterback Connor Bazelak was under heavy pressure and in no position to throw.
The happy ending -- he scrambled out of harm's way, looked down field, and found Henderson.
"It was a play we practice," Henderson says. "I was ready for it. I saw Connor make it out of the pocket and escape. We locked eyes. I figured he would throw it.
"It's a credit to him. It was a crazy throw when the pressure was on him. Without him, that play doesn't happen."
As a running back, Henderson has 52 carries for 211 yards and three TDs. Add his receiving numbers, and you get a dual-threat guy who can stress defenses, exactly what offensive coordinator Walt Bell wants in a balanced attack.
"I want to do whatever I can to help the offense get down the field and make some plays," Henderson says. "Coaches are putting me in position to make plays. I'm gaining their trust and my teammates' trust. That comes with being more consistent."
Consistency leads to this question -- does he prefer to run or catch?
"I like it all. It's all good for me."
It's also much appreciated.
"It's a blessing to have this kind of role," he says. "I pride myself on my hands. Them being able to utilize me and showcase my hands and show I can help this offense in more ways than one. It's special to have. I want to keep continuing to do that."
Head coach Tom Allen wants the same thing.
"He has been very productive. We have guys you target and say we have to get them involved, and his name is in that group.
"We love what he is able to do. He is scoring as a running back. He's catching and scoring in that regard, and doing lots of things. He's been way more explosive and dynamic and productive than anyone could have forecast. That's awesome for him and for us."
Henderson's versatility, the continued strong play of Shaun Shivers and the emergence of freshman Jaylin Lucas has IU playing with more two running back sets than at the start of the season.
"That's on purpose to get the best players on the field," Allen says.
IU showed a big offensive jump against Maryland. Its 33 points were two more than it had scored against Nebraska and Michigan combined.
Still, more is needed.
"We have to continue to improve and be more consistent," Henderson says. "We made it a priority to be more consistent as an offense (against Maryland). We're looking forward to the next challenge."
That challenge comes from a Rutgers defense that allows 22.0 points per game.
"We're excited for this week and the rest of the season because we know what we're capable of doing," Henderson says.
Allen also is excited about Hoosier capabilities. He insists the four-game losing streak hasn't broken their will to win.
"There is a lot of maturity from our team. There are a lot of hurting guys, frustrated guys, and guys that want to create change."
Adversity reveals character, he adds.
"The foundation of who you are gets exposed when things go wrong, and it also gets strengthened. It's an interesting process when difficulties arise in life and to a team. The very core of who you are has to be the foundation that you hold onto. That's your anchor when things are hard and rough and going against you."
Allen continues to push the message that with five remaining games, the six-win bowl eligibility goal is very much within reach.
"There is still a lot out there for us to play for. Our guys understand that. We've got to continue to learn from our mistakes and press on."
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