NAU's running game gets big boost
Standout running back Alex Henderson returns in time for NAU's key game at Montana.
http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008 ... 184248.txt
By DANIEL BERK
Sun Sports Staff
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Towards the end of NAU's loss to Weber State last week, the Lumberjacks were down to their fourth-string running back, Derrick Jackson, because of various injuries.
Now, as NAU prepares to head north to play Montana in Saturday's critical Big Sky Conference, the Jacks could have all four running backs available. Alex Henderson, who was a preseason All-Big Sky first team pick and has 249 yards in three games this season, will return to the lineup. Henderson went down with a left knee injury in the first half of NAU's game against Southern Utah on Sept. 20 and hasn't played since.
The junior out of Calabasas, Calif., has been cleared by the team's medical staff and began practicing with the team on Tuesday.
"Getting Henderson back would obviously boast our depth at the running back spot," NAU coach Jerome Souers said. "He brings a lot of experience and knowledge of our scheme to the table. It will have a big impact on our running game.
"We're going to practice him this week and see how he looks. We anticipate having him full-go on Saturday."
Deonte Williams, who filled in for Henderson while he was out, was injured in the loss to Weber State, but he could also play on Saturday. Williams, who has scored nine touchdowns and is second in the Big Sky in rushing yards with 767, exited in the second half when the game was already out of hand and didn't return.
Souers said that Williams' injury was thought to be much worse at first and the Jacks may have dodged a bullet.
"Deonte is surprisingly much better off than we thought," Souers said. "He may be cleared to practice week and could play on Saturday. We're glad Deonte's injury isn't as serious as they first thought. He'll be evaluated every day this week and we'll see how he progresses."
Williams' roommate, Austin Shanks, who was serving as Williams' backup, also missed Saturday's game against the Wildcats with an ankle injury. Souers said the freshman out of Shadow Hills, Calif., should be back to full speed in time for Saturday's game. Shanks injured the ankle against Idaho State on Oct. 18.
If all three of the top running backs are healthy and ready to go, it would be the first time this season Souers has had all of them at his disposal.
"It would be really nice to have them all back. It would be a luxury," Souers said. "We didn't anticipate having the freshmen involved this much so early on. But they have and Deonte particularly has shown his mettle.
"But what happens when guy carries the ball 30 times a game, the risk of injury and wear and tear become excessive, especially in young guys that aren't trained to handle that type of deal yet."
Getting Henderson back this week couldn't come at a better time for the 19th-ranked Jacks, who are trying to rebound from their first loss to a Football Championship Subdivision team. Not to mention, Henderson has played at Montana before in front of the packed house of wild fans.
