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Florida football: CJ Henderson gets All-America recognition he deserves

By Matthew Clark

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 4: Cornerback CJ Henderson #5 of the Florida Gators tries to intercept the ball as wide receiver Johnathon Johnson #12 of the Missouri Tigers is charged with offensive pass interference in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 4: Cornerback CJ Henderson #5 of the Florida Gators tries to intercept the ball as wide receiver Johnathon Johnson #12 of the Missouri Tigers is charged with offensive pass interference in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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His actions certainly speak louder than words. However, in this case, words for Florida football corner CJ Henderson are pretty strong too.

He’s wearing No. 1 for Florida football this season for a distinct reason.

And, while that reason may not have been his, it is certainly ours.

Florida football cornerback CJ Henderson comes into his junior season ready to make an even bigger impact than seasons before.

And, the fact that he was recently named to both ESPN’s and Sports Illustrated’s Preseason All-America team is a testament to the fact that he’s likely going to make that impact happen.

Henderson, the 6-foot-1, 202-pound junior notched 38 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, a trio of sacks and seven pass breakups last season. That goes along with two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions.

He closed out last season on the All-SEC second team and the Athlon Sports Third Team All-SEC.

Oh, did we mention the seven solo tackles against Michigan in the Peach Bowl last season??

He ranks No. 1 among all cornerbacks in college football this season and is likely one of the big reasons teams will elect to run the football more against the Gators this season.

Even with a stacked defense, he was the only Florida football team member to earn a first-team selection to the All-SEC preseason team.

And, he deserves it.

You aren’t ranked the No. 1 cornerback in the country for nothing.

He is bringing a ton of experience, prowess and instinct to the field this season for Florida football.

I also suspect he will bring a lot of much-needed leadership on the field as well.

On ESPN’s team announced Monday, defending national champion Clemson had four selections while Alabama had three, Georgia and LSU had two and Vanderbilt, Auburn and Florida each had one.

Next. Second full scrimmage 'better' according to Dan Mullen. dark

The biggest key is making sure the Gators get the most out of Henderson because a breakout season could mean his last in Gainesville as the National Football League will certainly come calling.

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