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gato salvaje
04-14-2005, 10:39 AM
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/wildcats/70383.php


By Charles Durrenberger
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Since he arrived on campus almost three years ago, with a sprinter's reputation and a bodybuilder's physique, Chris Henry has been a prodigy.

Now, it seems, the Arizona halfback has taken a giant leap this spring toward fulfilling those lofty standards.

"I feel a lot more focused on football," said Henry, a high school sprint champion from Stockton, Calif.

Two years in the UA's off-season strength and conditioning program have served as a physical enhancement for Henry, who has bulked up to 230 pounds without losing his quickness.

The only thing slow about Henry has been his metamorphosis. He redshirted in 2003 after suffering a knee injury, and then gained only 159 yards on 11 carries last fall.

"He's 230 pounds and runs a 4.3" in the 40-yard dash, UA coach Mike Stoops said. "We have to find ways to get him the football."

Henry actually was too fast as a young back, rushing to the line of scrimmage before holes and running lanes had developed.

"Young kids want to hurry to the hole, instead of taking the right steps and allowing the linemen to move people," offensive coordinator Mike Canales explained. "Mature guys run smart and wait for things to develop."

Henry led all rushers with 78 yards on 14 carries in Saturday's first meaningful scrimmage of the spring. His highlight came on a 13-yard sweep around the right side, capped by a dive into the end zone.

"The game is really slowing down a lot for me," said Henry, who credited his linemen with opening seams. "I'm able to see better, see more holes. I'm able to make better reads and better cuts."

The sophomore is part of the Wildcats' three-headed backfield "monster," as Canales likes to call Henry, fullback/halfback Gilbert Harris and starting halfback Mike Bell.

All of the backs seem to bask in the competition, making the most of their opportunities.

"We all have to work harder to showcase our skills," Henry said. "Every time you get on the field, you have to do your best, because the next back is going to do as well as they can."

Extra points

● Saturday's scrimmage is set for 9:45 a.m. at Arizona Stadium, and is open to the public.

● The annual spring game is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 23, also at Arizona Stadium. It also is open to the public.

____________________

Looks like Henry's added 10 pounds of muscle (220 last year) w/o losing his quickness!

I hoping the rest of the team is having similar results w/ the weight program.

Bigger! Faster! Stronger! :D

WallyNoche
04-14-2005, 11:14 AM
gato...good article!

What we are seeing is the Cats becoming more of a TEAM...working together and putting the team first...

Last year players like Costa & Ealy were too selfish and put themselves ahead of the team...which created animosity and division in the locker room...

I am glad to see everyone working collectively towards the same goal...and putting the team first above everything else...

This can only lead to a favorable outcome...

Go Cats!

Merkin
04-14-2005, 11:20 AM
You think with that speed they would look at him at WR. He is at 6'0", and with his strength you think he would have some matchup problems with small skinny CBs. Reminds me of Vance Johnson, who Larry Smith tried to make into a tailback but the Broncos did much better at him at WR.

WallyNoche
04-14-2005, 11:25 AM
You think with that speed they would look at him at WR.

Merk...Good call! Don't be surprised if you see him line up in the slot on occasions...a-la Reggie Bush... :)

KingOfCats
04-14-2005, 12:45 PM
Reminds me of Vance Johnson, who Larry Smith tried to make into a tailback but the Broncos did much better at him at WR.

I was a huge Vance Johnson fan when he was with the Broncos. I was born in Denver and grew up watching the Three Amigos. I never knew he wasn't a WR in college.