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SAY IT AIN"T SO!
Drew Henson's decision from a Michigan fan's
perspective
By Allen Trieu
As a long time Wolverines fan, Drew Henson's decision to forego his senior
year to play Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees both shocked
and disappointed me. With many players leaving Ann Arbor for the NFL, I
as many other Michigan fans hung the hopes of this season on #7.
My first reaction was wow, what an idiot. He's giving up the potential
of being the #1 Overall pick in next April's NFL Draft. He's also giving
up a possible Heisman Trophy. But Henson's decision to play for the Yankees
was one that he clearly wanted. He even said in High School that no other
feeling in the world compares to hitting a baseball. In making this decision,
Henson obviously made it clear that his heart is with baseball. Besides,
he always could go back to football later ala Chris Weinke if things don't
work out. The chances that he blows out a knee are much less probable in
baseball than football. It's very possible that Henson's foot injury last
season weighed heavilly on his mind when he thought about his football
future. It really is impossible to question his decision no matter how
much my gut wrenches when I think about it. He went with his heart and
he is such a great talent that he is probably going to suceed with baseball.
On the other side of things, not only is Henson's decision unfortunate
for Michigan fans, it is unfortunate for Houston Texan fans. The NFL's
32nd team will have the first pick in next April's 2002 NFL Draft. Henson
was the odds on favorite to be their pick and be the player that Houston
builds around. Now with Henson gone, while excellent players are still
available there isn't a QB of Henson's caliber as it stands right now.
Is there a QB of Henson's caliber in Ann Arbor? Probably not but John Navarre
did play well in his first two starts when Henson was injured but then
struggled against UCLA and then was replaced by Henson against Illinois.
The jury is still out on Navarre, a sophomore this year, but there is no
questioning the talent around him. Marquise Walker and Ronald Bellamy are
excellent receivers and though Running Back will likely be done by committee,
that committee is made up of a lot of talented players. Plus the defense
will be better. That gives me and all other Wolverine fans hope. After
all, they are still the Michigan Wolverines and they always
recruit well. There is a lot of talent
here and while the loss of Henson hurts, don't expect the Wolverines to
cry over the loss. This is a team still capable of winning a weakened Big
10. However, if Drew does want to come back... I guess we'd have no choice
but to take him.
MICHIGAN
WOLVERINES 2001 PREVIEW
Who else is there without Henson?
A preview of this season for the Wolverines.
TOP
PROSPECTS 2002
The top 31 prospects for the 2002
Draft
TOP
QB PROSPECTS
The top Quarterback prospects
for the 2002 Draft.
