Speedster bound for Villanova

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All Prairie Ridge outfielder Justin Henderson needed was an opportunity to catch the attention of NCAA Division I coaches.

That chance came at the Stevenson Showcase in June, and Henderson took full advantage. His blazing speed was noticed right away by Villanova coach Joe Godri, with whom he stayed in contact. Henderson visited the Philadelphia school during the holiday break and gave Godri his commitment last week to attend the D-I university on an athletic scholarship.

“It was definitely the biggest school coming at me and made the best offer,” Henderson said. “And it’s a great academic school.”

Henderson (5-foot-9, 165 pounds) will receive a half scholarship to start with a chance to earn more as he advances through his career. He said Godri thought Henderson could be a fourth outfielder as a freshman.

“Last year they started six freshmen, so the coach likes going with young guys,” Henderson said. “They thought I’d have a chance to rotate in and play in late innings for defense.”

Henderson moved up to Prairie Ridge’s varsity team as a sophomore and was used as a pinch-runner in the Wolves’ run to the Class 4A state championship. He has been timed at 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash, and when he and teammate Kevin Kaczmarski race, Henderson said he usually nips Kaczmarski by an eyelash.

“I go to showcases, and my 60 time stands out,” said Henderson, who also was an explosive running back for Prairie Ridge’s Class 6A semifinal football team this season. “That really caught the coaches’ eyes.”

In December, Henderson went to Villanova and hit for the Wildcats’ coaching staff. They showed him around the campus and made an offer. Henderson will sign his NCAA letter of intent in April.

Henderson played with Pro Player Consultants travel team last summer and looks forward to playing left field this spring, next to Kaczmarski in center and Troy Mertins in right field.

“Our outfield has a lot of speed,” Henderson said. “We plan on catching everything that flies out there.”

• Joe Stevenson covers high school sports for the Northwest Herald. He can be reached at 815-526-4513. He also can be reached by fax at 815-459-5640 or by e-mail at jstevenson@nwherald.com.