His impact won’t soon be forgotten at James Madison.
For four years, Trent Hendrick was a Duke.
He enrolled fresh out of high school, waited his turn and eventually earned Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He never took an early exit, instead cementing himself as one of the program’s most respected figures alongside four-year teammate Jacob Thomas.
Now, Hendrick is preparing for what comes next.
His JMU career is complete, and he is hoping for an opportunity at the next level.
Part of that journey included one final chance to compete at JMU’s Pro Day on March 26 at Zane Showker Field.
“It’s almost like after a big game,” Hendrick said. “You go out there, get the W, and then you get to celebrate with the guys.”
While he awaits his professional future, Hendrick remains closely tied to the program where he built his resume. His degree is still in progress, with graduation approaching next month.
Even as he wraps up his academic career, Hendrick is a frequent presence around the football facility. He attends practice, sits in on linebacker meetings and offers insight to the current roster.
Hendrick never played a snap under first-year JMU coach Billy Napier, but that has not limited his influence.
“Just this highly decorated player, but more importantly, just what a leader,” Napier said. “What a guy who, I mean, the way he represented this place, the class, the character, the integrity, and on the field and off the field leadership. So as much as that guy can be around, the better.”
Earlier this month, Hendrick — along with former player Que Reid, now an academic advisor — met with a group of newcomers in the club level of Bridgeforth Stadium. Hendrick wore a JMU sweatshirt featuring the College Football Playoff logo on the sleeve.
Napier said the meeting was intentional, designed for Hendrick to share his path through the program and emphasize patience and development.
“Think a little bit of a history lesson from a guy who’s done it about as good as anybody around here,” Napier said. “Even myself, I think for me, I’m always interested to hear from his perspective what he sees, what he feels. He’s about as good of an example as we can have out there walking the sidelines for sure. Might have a little coach in him one day.”
Linebackers coach Josh Linam has also leaned on Hendrick as a resource for the position group.
“I think that’s the key part of this whole thing with what makes James Madison special,” Linam said. “There’s guys that are willing to push the culture forward and pass that down to the other guys so they know the expectations.”
First-year linebacker Nakian Jackson, who has spent time at Sacramento State and Nevada, is among the newcomers benefiting from Hendrick’s presence. Jackson said Hendrick’s input stands out as valuable perspective from someone preparing for the next level.
“It’s good to have that,” Jackson said. “And, also, when we had that meeting, the biggest takeaway I think I took from that is just leave the place better than you found it. Like, it’s my last year, I want to leave it better than I found it.”
Hendrick, along with several former Dukes, will get a clearer picture of their professional futures as the week unfolds, with the NFL Draft beginning Thursday night and concluding Saturday.