Eric Henderson is in his first season as UTSA’s defensive line coach. Henderson comes to the Alamo City from Oklahoma State, where he has served as a graduate assistant and quality control coach since 2013.
“Eric has always been driven with a purpose," head coach Frank Wilson said when he announced Henderson's hiring on Jan. 20. "His long-term view of what he wants has allowed him to excel as a college player, coach and mentor to young men. People are attracted to his personality and his spirit to capture the moment. He is truly a rising star in the midst of coaches. I have seen Eric Henderson recruit first-hand and can tell you he is a relentless recruiter who connects with young men very well.”
"In all decisions, I first let the power of prayer be my biggest guide," Henderson said. "Years ago when I was a player at Edna Karr High School, which had Coach Wilson on the staff, I still recall some of the lessons and words he left with me that allowed me to grow as a player and a man. I thank God for now blessing me with the opportunity to be an addition to a staff and program in which I can now use this platform to go out and leave those same impressions on young men across the country. I not only know Frank Wilson as a coach but as a friend, mentor, guidance counselor and excellent leader of young men. The city of San Antonio and the UTSA family will be more than happy with the direction Coach Wilson will lead us."
The 33-year-old New Orleans native spent his first two years in Stillwater working as a graduate assistant before transitioning to a defensive quality control coach this past season. He was regarded as one of the Cowboys’ top recruiters during his tenure, specifically with student-athletes from the state of Louisiana.
During his three years at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys posted a combined 27-12 record and made three bowl appearances. Henderson helped tutor defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who earned All-American accolades, was named 2015 Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted in the second round (32nd overall) by the Cleveland Browns.
Henderson began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at Georgia Military College in 2012, where he coached the outside linebackers and secondary. He helped the team to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl.
A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive end at Georgia Tech from 2003-05, he set the school’s career record for tackles for loss with 59.5 and finished with 175 tackles, 25 sacks, eight pass breakups and seven forced fumbles.
Henderson spent three years in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2006-08 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He also spent three years (2009-11) with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, helping the team win a pair of league championships.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia Tech in 2005 and is working toward his master’s degree in educational psychology from Oklahoma State.
“Eric has always been driven with a purpose," head coach Frank Wilson said when he announced Henderson's hiring on Jan. 20. "His long-term view of what he wants has allowed him to excel as a college player, coach and mentor to young men. People are attracted to his personality and his spirit to capture the moment. He is truly a rising star in the midst of coaches. I have seen Eric Henderson recruit first-hand and can tell you he is a relentless recruiter who connects with young men very well.”
"In all decisions, I first let the power of prayer be my biggest guide," Henderson said. "Years ago when I was a player at Edna Karr High School, which had Coach Wilson on the staff, I still recall some of the lessons and words he left with me that allowed me to grow as a player and a man. I thank God for now blessing me with the opportunity to be an addition to a staff and program in which I can now use this platform to go out and leave those same impressions on young men across the country. I not only know Frank Wilson as a coach but as a friend, mentor, guidance counselor and excellent leader of young men. The city of San Antonio and the UTSA family will be more than happy with the direction Coach Wilson will lead us."
The 33-year-old New Orleans native spent his first two years in Stillwater working as a graduate assistant before transitioning to a defensive quality control coach this past season. He was regarded as one of the Cowboys’ top recruiters during his tenure, specifically with student-athletes from the state of Louisiana.
During his three years at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys posted a combined 27-12 record and made three bowl appearances. Henderson helped tutor defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who earned All-American accolades, was named 2015 Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted in the second round (32nd overall) by the Cleveland Browns.
Henderson began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at Georgia Military College in 2012, where he coached the outside linebackers and secondary. He helped the team to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl.
A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive end at Georgia Tech from 2003-05, he set the school’s career record for tackles for loss with 59.5 and finished with 175 tackles, 25 sacks, eight pass breakups and seven forced fumbles.
Henderson spent three years in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2006-08 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He also spent three years (2009-11) with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, helping the team win a pair of league championships.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia Tech in 2005 and is working toward his master’s degree in educational psychology from Oklahoma State.
The Eric Henderson File
Coaching Experience
• 2016-present: UTSA, assistant coach, defensive line
• 2015: Oklahoma State, quality control/defense
• 2013-14: Oklahoma State, graduate assistant coach
• 2012: Georgia Military College, defensive assistant
NFL Players Coached
• Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Browns
Playing Experience
• 2002-05: Georgia Tech, defensive end
• 2006-08: Cincinnati Bengals, defensive end
• 2009-11: Las Vegas Locomotives (UFL), defensive end
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in management, Georgia Tech, 2005
Hometown
• New Orleans, La.