By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Brandon Henderson, Marcus Palmer and Quentin Wilson were playing ball together long before their football careers at Woodlawn High School.
They’ll keep doing it in college. Last Wednesday, they were honored at a National Signing Day ceremony on campus as there was plenty of orange and blue to mark their decision to head south on I-49 to attend Louisiana Christian (formerly Louisiana College) and play NAIA football in Pineville.
It was a considered decision, said Henderson.
“We’ve been playing together since we were knee-high, so it’s great to be able to keep doing that in college. We spent time talking about what to do, and we were committed to sticking together.”
The trio all received honorable mention All-State Class 4A recognition after standout senior seasons for the Knights.
Henderson, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year, got recruiting attention from a wide range of programs ranging up to Group of 5 Division I teams, notably South Florida. But he and Woodlawn coach Thedrick Harris were content with his landing spot at LCU.
“There’s so much going on with the NCAA transfer portal now, a lot of talented kids are having to go to smaller schools or junior colleges rather than the big D-1 offers you used to get just five years ago,” said Harris. “Brandon and his teammates were very pleased with how Louisiana Christian stuck with them throughout the whole process.”
Six interceptions and his overall impact made him the All-Metro Outstanding Defensive Player, but that’s a bit of a misnomer because he was a do-it-all weapon for the Knights. He also averaged 8.7 yards per rush, playing some quarterback as well as wide receiver, where he contributed 25.7 yards per catch and was just as dangerous as a kick and punt returner on special teams.
“He’s a high school Travis Hunter, a Swiss-army type player who can do it all,” said Harris, who was under the weather last week but beaming as he guided the trio through the ceremony.
“The biggest thing I am proud about is their academics and their character. They’ve done the things necessary to get a scholarship and be able to further their education,” he said.
Another valuable example for young players around town, said Harris, was their togetherness and loyalty.
“They chose to stay at Woodlawn, and more kids hopefully will follow their example and stay at their neighborhood school. You can go to college if you’re determined, no matter where you are. You can earn that opportunity,” he said.
Wilson, a hard-charging and versatile All-District 1-4A running back, said the bond and the beauty of the tree-filled LCU campus were compelling factors.
“It’s a beautiful campus, and the coaches made me feel at home, and worked with me on everything. Plus, with my teammates going too, that’s just a win-win on top of this opportunity,” he said.
The guidance received from Harris and the Woodlawn coaching staff has provided a strong foundation that makes Wilson grateful for his experience with the Knights.
“I got a lot. Coach Harris teaches you the game of football, but also teaches you about life, how to successfully prepare yourself for the real world and how you will face some adversity,” said Wilson, who said he comes from a “family full of nurses” and has an eye on following that path.
Palmer, a first-team All-District 1-4A defensive lineman, said his old pals will help ease the transition to college life.
“The fact that I can be there with guys I grew up with played an enormous role. I can be comfortable and it will knock out some of the nerves I will have going off to college,” he said. “It was something that clicked and once the opportunity was there, we all looked at each other and said, ‘we’ve gotta do it.’”
The Wildcats will play their second season under former LCU record-shattering quarterback Ben McLaughlin. Two seasons ago, LCU won 10 games, the Sooner Athletic Conference championship and played in the NAIA postseason. Last year’s team had an explosive offense but struggled defensively.
Henderson said he will play receiver in college but hopes to get some action eventually in the secondary, and in the return game. For quite a while, he’s going to savor the joy of the Signing Day celebration.
“I compare it to my birthday,” he said, smiling broadly.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com