University of Delaware Athletics
Justis Henley Prepared to Take On Added Leadership Role
3/17/2022 4:05:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware fifth-year senior Justis Henley has been a key part of the UD defense over the past four seasons, appearing in 40 games in the backfield. However, as the Blue Hens are in the midst of spring practices, Henley is preparing to take on the added role as the veteran leader in the cornerback room.
The Philadelphia native was second on the team last season with seven pass breakups and had an interception during the Battle of the Blue against Villanova. He was a part of an experienced backfield that allowed just 204.9 passing yards per game and the third-fewest passing touchdowns in the CAA with 11.
.@Henley5J INTERCEPTION pic.twitter.com/doooASA1lm
— Delaware Football (@DelawareFB) November 20, 2021
A large part of the defense’s success in the passing game was the play of Henley and fellow starting corner Nijuel Hill, who played in every game during his career with the Blue & Gold. The duo combined for 53 tackles, two interceptions and 13 total pass breakups, while often neutralizing the opponent’s top wide receivers.
However, with the graduation of Hill, Henley will be counted upon even more to not only shut down the top opposing receivers but also to help lead the young players at the position. BlueHens.com checked in with the Philadelphia native to see how he is adjusting to his new role.
With Nijuel Hill graduating, are you doing anything different to prepare to be that top shutdown corner?
I wouldn’t say that I am trying to do anything different, I think I will just continue to be myself and continue to do the things that Nijuel taught me while he was here which I believe will help me continue to find success again in my role next season.
Do you see yourself stepping up into more of a leadership role for the other, younger corners?
I definitely see myself in more of a leadership role in my fifth year. We have a lot of younger guys in the corner room this year who look up to me to show them the ropes and I just want to be the biggest help I can be to them so that when I am gone they can pick up where I left off. Also, you never know with injuries and stuff of that nature, everyone has to be ready to play.
Between you, Kedrick Whitehead and Noah Plack in the backfield, there is a lot of experience in the backfield. How does that help you all in terms of trust and comfort?
Ked, Noah and I have played a lot of games together so we are as close as they come. All we really do is talk about football and watch film together so we know what it is we each want to be able to do in certain situations and looks. As far as trust, I wouldn’t want to play alongside any other guys in the country. I know that we all hold each other accountable and we can trust each other to make a play when we need to. As a trio, our chemistry and skill put together is going to be scary for opposing offenses in the fall. Watch out.
How has it been with the new coaching staff? What differences have you noticed during the first few spring practices?
The new coaching staff has been great. I love the energy that they bring every day. They are definitely doing all they can to change the culture and mentality of our program while also making sure that everyone is having fun which is what it’s all about. During the first few spring practices, I’ve noticed the difference in the tempo and the competitiveness. Everything we do in practice we are doing it fast and we are competing. The competition aspect is really bringing out the best of everyone on the team and it is preparing us to play with energy and relentlessness on Saturdays.
You still have Coach Copeland leading the cornerbacks and Coach Rojas as defensive coordinator. How does having that continuity benefit you and the rest of the defense?
Coach Rojas and Coach Cope still being on the staff was huge. They are two great coaches that everyone vouched for and we love both of them on the defensive side of the ball. With them being back, we didn’t have to rebuild any chemistry, so that familiarity definitely allows us to play fast on the field because we don’t have to think much. We can just fly around and make plays.
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