The Patriots have had a impressive history of pass catching backs that can impact the offense. From Kevin Faulk to Danny Woodhead to Shane Vereen and James White, New England has seen more than its share of big plays from that position.
Mike Vrabel and his personnel staff may have found the next one in TreVeyon Henderson, and he may be the most explosive of the bunch.
Henderson was selected in the second round, 38th overall, after a solid career at Ohio State. The 5-10, 202-pound running back was productive both as a runner and receiver, but it’s his ability to turn in big plays that allows him to stand out in the pack.
During his college career with the Buckeyes, Henderson averaged 6.4 yards per carry and that number rose to 7.1 last season. He also averaged 11.1 yards per reception over his four seasons. With year-by-year long carries of 68, 41, 75 and 66 yards, plus receptions of 70, 31, 65 and 75 yards, it’s clear he has the ability to make big plays.
“That’s not being fair to him,” OSU running backs coach Carlos Locklyn said with a laugh when it was suggested Henderson had some explosiveness to his game. “Don’t put the word ‘some’ on there. He has a hell of a lot of explosiveness. He can take it to the house from anywhere on the field, and he has. But he has some power to him as well.”