Hendricks impressed with Ann Arbor

Millville (N.J.) defensive tackle Dwayne Hendricks took a trip to Michigan over weekend and came away very impressed with his experience. Rated the No. 9 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com and No. 23 in the Atlantic East Amazing 80, the big defender has two more visits scheduled and plans to take all of his trips before making a final decision.

“It was a nine, if not a ten,” he commented on his first trip. “It was pretty good seeing the campus and the game. I mean 111,000 fans watching it was crazy. Seeing how the players are tight on and off the field, it is no wonder they win games. They are like a family.”

As much fun as he had, the 6-foot-4, 246 pound athlete with a 4.8 second 40-yard dash time said he is in no hurry to make any kind of decision. He plans to wait until signing day to make his intentions known, and currently has two more visits set up—a trip to Iowa on Dec. 12 and a trek to Miami on Jan. 16.

The three schools with official visits already scheduled along with Florida, Tennessee, Notre Dame, and UCLA all still stand a chance to gain his signature. Here is what stands about each school.

“Miami wins so many games and produces so many defensive lineman,” he said. “I mean what was it eight last year? They send at least two or three every year, and you don’t even have to start. They rotate so many in and out that everyone gets equal exposure.

“Iowa I haven’t seen, but I heard the town focused around the football team. That would be like being at home for me, because everybody around here knows everybody on the football team. They are also on the up.

“Florida traditionally is good, like a combination of Miami football and Michigan’s athletics. Even though they have been down a little, it hasn’t been a significant drop, and they can still win the big game.

“Notre Dame traditionally has good academics and football.

“UCLA has good academics, and the team is good for sending d-lineman to the league. Their defense leads the nation in sacks.

“Tennessee produces d-lineman. They always have a couple like John Henderson and Albert Hayneswoth. They are doing okay now in the NFL.”

As a junior Hendricks was named all-Cape Atlantic, all-state Group IV, and second team all-South Jersey after accounting for 65 tackles, (15 for loss) and three sacks. An excellent student he maintains a 3.4 core GPA with a 900 SAT score, and plans to major in accounting, marketing, or some other type of business.