2020 NFL Draft: Why C.J. Henderson should be first cornerback drafted
By John Newman
Recognition and Accomplishments
His 2018 season was such a standout, the school honored Henderson with a unique reward:
Florida recently awarded CB CJ Henderson the rare honor of the #1 jersey.
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) July 13, 2019
Not worn since 2015, the number has a strong reputation attached to it, with Gator legends such as Percy Harvin and Regge Nelson donning it.
Henderson may just be the best one yet.https://t.co/ghPazamK2S
According to Pro Football Talk, Florida Head Coach Dan Mullen said this about the honor to wear No. 1 on the Florida Gators:
"“You’ve got to be a baller to be No. 1…You have to really stick out.”"
For some fans, this is just a number. But for the Florida Gators, it is a prestigious honor. Number 1 was worn by such stars as Percy Harvin, Reggie Nelson, Jon Bostic and Vernon Hargreaves.
According to the Florida Gators team site, Henderson was also awarded the Preseason Second Team All-SEC player this year, along with the All-SEC Second Team honors. His school bio could do more justice for the young cornerback than I ever could:
"Became the only true freshman in UF history to return an interception for a touchdown in consecutive games… In addition, Henderson is the only player in school history to accomplish that feat in records dating back to 1965… Since 1996, he is also the only true freshman in the nation to have returned interceptions for touchdowns in consecutive games."
My point is that C.J. Henderson has been given recognition and the respect of his peers, coaches, team, and media covering the Florida Gators.