by Bill Seals
After getting a good look at a Class of 2018 defensive back earlier this year, Iowa State assistant coach Lou Ayeni was back at the prospect’s school a few weeks ago, with an offer to follow.
Carol Stream (Ill.) Glenbard North junior Tyrik Henderson said he was happy to see Ayeni back for another visit.
“Coach Ayeni was out to my school about two days after Iowa offered,” said Henderson. “I’ve been to Iowa State and been on an visit there a year or two back. He came back and refreshed my memory a little bit, because he came to watch me during spring evaluations. I remembered his face.” After the bump at school, Henderson said a Cyclone offer came his way.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Henderson said he’s been keeping tabs on the I-State program and likes the way things are going with a new staff in place.
“They’re definitely focusing on becoming one of those top Big 12 competitors,” Henderson said. “They’re moving things in the right direction to try to win a Big 12 title at Iowa State.”
Although it came much earlier in his high school career, Henderson said his previous visit to Ames left a lasting impression on him. He said he’s looking forward to a return trip in the coming months.
“My first time going there was for a Junior Day and I watched one of the basketball games,” Henderson said. “That was the most fun experience I’ve ever had at a basketball game. It was electrifying. I really like their fans. The coaches made the recruits feel welcome and checked up on them. It was a welcoming experience.
“Considering that I’ve been to Iowa State my freshman going into sophomore year, I’m definitely planning on going back to refresh my memory about how things are. Coach Ayeni gave me a flyer of their Junior Day dates, so I’ll be attending one of those.”
Henderson has proven to be a competent receiver during his prep career, but his future appears to be on the defensive side of the field.
“Coach Ayeni likes my diversity,” Henderson said. “During spring evaluations, I did some DB stuff and receiver stuff. He liked how I diverse I am. I’m real fluid in my backpedal and route running. I have pretty decent size that they like in an athlete. I think they’re recruiting me to play cornerback, but whatever they see fit for me I’ll play.”
A three-star recruit that’s been given a 5.7 Rivals ranking, Henderson is also the number-five prospect in Illinois for 2018 and the 27th at the cornerback position overall.
In addition to the one he picked up from I-State, Henderson has Power-5 offers from Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Purdue, to go with MAC schools Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo.
Henderson said he has no favorites at this point.
“It’s still early in my recruiting process,” he said. “I want to take some visits and try to see how much I like it. I’m keeping everything equal right now.”
After getting a good look at a Class of 2018 defensive back earlier this year, Iowa State assistant coach Lou Ayeni was back at the prospect’s school a few weeks ago, with an offer to follow.
Carol Stream (Ill.) Glenbard North junior Tyrik Henderson said he was happy to see Ayeni back for another visit.
“Coach Ayeni was out to my school about two days after Iowa offered,” said Henderson. “I’ve been to Iowa State and been on an visit there a year or two back. He came back and refreshed my memory a little bit, because he came to watch me during spring evaluations. I remembered his face.” After the bump at school, Henderson said a Cyclone offer came his way.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Henderson said he’s been keeping tabs on the I-State program and likes the way things are going with a new staff in place.
“They’re definitely focusing on becoming one of those top Big 12 competitors,” Henderson said. “They’re moving things in the right direction to try to win a Big 12 title at Iowa State.”
Although it came much earlier in his high school career, Henderson said his previous visit to Ames left a lasting impression on him. He said he’s looking forward to a return trip in the coming months.
“My first time going there was for a Junior Day and I watched one of the basketball games,” Henderson said. “That was the most fun experience I’ve ever had at a basketball game. It was electrifying. I really like their fans. The coaches made the recruits feel welcome and checked up on them. It was a welcoming experience.
“Considering that I’ve been to Iowa State my freshman going into sophomore year, I’m definitely planning on going back to refresh my memory about how things are. Coach Ayeni gave me a flyer of their Junior Day dates, so I’ll be attending one of those.”
Henderson has proven to be a competent receiver during his prep career, but his future appears to be on the defensive side of the field.
“Coach Ayeni likes my diversity,” Henderson said. “During spring evaluations, I did some DB stuff and receiver stuff. He liked how I diverse I am. I’m real fluid in my backpedal and route running. I have pretty decent size that they like in an athlete. I think they’re recruiting me to play cornerback, but whatever they see fit for me I’ll play.”
A three-star recruit that’s been given a 5.7 Rivals ranking, Henderson is also the number-five prospect in Illinois for 2018 and the 27th at the cornerback position overall.
In addition to the one he picked up from I-State, Henderson has Power-5 offers from Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Purdue, to go with MAC schools Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo.
Henderson said he has no favorites at this point.
“It’s still early in my recruiting process,” he said. “I want to take some visits and try to see how much I like it. I’m keeping everything equal right now.”
