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Trey Hendrickson - Defensive End - FAU Owls
HEIGHT: 6’4”
WEIGHT: 266
ARM LENGTH: 32”
HANDS: 9 7/8”
PROJECTION: 3rd-4th round
40 YD DASH (NFL Combine): 4.65 seconds
BENCH PRESS (NFL Combine): 34 reps
VERTICAL (NFL Combine): 33.5”
BROAD JUMP (NFL Combine): 122”
3 CONE DRILL (NFL Combine): 7.03 seconds
20 YD SHUTTLE (NFL Combine): 4.20 seconds
60 YD Shuttle (NFL Combine): 11.43 seconds
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Background
Trey Hendrickson was lightly recruited out of Apopka High with only three scholarship offers to his name. As a freshman he impressed Carl Pelini with his high motor that he played every game as a true freshman. He leaves FAU as the best defensive player in school history as he earned first-team all-conference accolades in 2015 after finishing tied for second in the FBS with 13.5 sacks to go with his five forced fumbles. He achieved the honor again in 2016 as he ended his senior season ranked number one in the nation with four blocked kicks. He leaves FAU with the all-time single-season sack record (13) and is the Owls’ career sack leader (29).
Strengths
Trey Hendrickson has been one one of the few bright spots for what was a poor defense during his collegiate career. Despite the fact that offenses were keying in on him, he still was able to be an amazing contributor. His ability to pass rush is outstanding. In his junior and senior year he displayed great footwork and hands to get to the outside edge. He also has a nose for the ball as he had eight career forced fumbles, with a few of his forced fumbles coming in clutch scenarios. Many will mention his high motor and how he gives max effort all of the time. Hendrickson never took plays off as an Owl so coaches won’t have to worry about whether he loves the game or if he cares.
The one underrated element about Hendrickson’s game is his durability. He never missed a game due to injury as he played in every single game he was eligible for as an Owl, appearing in 48 straight games. What I’m going to miss about Hendrickson the most however, is his leadership. FAU underachieved during his collegiate career and yet he never wavered or put his head down for a second. Every practice, every game, he always put it all on the field.
Weaknesses
Hendrickson commanded a lot of double teams when offense were passing the ball but usually blocked him straight up when they decided to run. He’s not a horrible run stopper but can definitely improve in this area. He doesn’t have great lateral quickness which could be a problem if teams try to draft him as a 3-4 drop end. He also doesn’t have the best size.
Final Thought
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Trey Hendrickson several times and in my opinion he was the most humble FAU player I ever met alongside Alfred Morris. Whichever organization he’s drafted to will get a player who wants to work hard and let all of his talking take place on the field.
Hendrickson was pegged as a late-round selection during the season but since he earned the Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award in the East-West shrine game his stock has gone up. Hendrickson is a 4-3 defensive end. If a team tries to make him a 3-4 drop end I see him struggling as he’s not quite quick enough to help in pass coverage. I see him getting selected in the third-round by either the Miami Dolphins or San Francisco 49ers.