After a phenomenal 2021 season, Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson was touted as one of the best running backs in the country. Despite an up-and-down 2022 season, his previous success indicates that its safe to expect big things from Henderson in 2023.
TreVeyon Henderson: Is 2023 the Return to Glory for OSU’s RB?
Once upon a time, Henderson was ranked as the best running back in his recruiting class after he dominated at Hopewell High School in Virginia. Henderson was a five-star prospect according to 247 Sports and committed to Ohio State as a huge out-of-state get for the Buckeyes.
Coming out as a 5’11”, 195-pound bully of a running back, Henderson showed elite athletic traits. He was arguably the most hyped player for the 2021 recruiting class.
Henderson’s Freshman Season Lives Up to the Hype
With all eyes on Henderson during his freshman season, he didn’t disappoint. On 183 carries, Henderson ran for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Despite playing next to top-tier talent, Henderson also carved out his own role in the passing game. On a team with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave, Henderson hauled in 27 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns.
The Buckeyes finished with an 11-2 record despite failing to reach the College Football Playoff and win the Big Ten. After showing his three-down skill set, NFL scouts were quick to put Henderson high on their 2024 NFL Draft boards.
But then the 2022 season came and went with Henderson coming back down to Earth.
In Week 3, Henderson suffered a foot injury that lingered throughout the year. This limited Henderson to only eight games in 2022, and it was clear when he did take the field that he wasn’t 100%.
Having a broken foot hurt Henderson’s ability to push off and be explosive, which was the calling card to his freshman season’s success.
Henderson finished the season with 571 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 107 carries. Henderson became a non-factor in the passing game due to his injury, providing just four receptions all season long.
Can 2023 Provide Henderson’s Return to Top Form?
With an entire offseason to heal, one can only expect Henderson to return to form. Ohio State will be without namebrand talent at the quarterback position in 2023, and could look to rely on their rushing game early on this season. Henderson will split carries with Miyan Williams once again, but if their top-tier talent is apparent, Henderson is the better back between the two.
Currently, Henderson is projected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, and the only way he can do this is with a monster junior season and showcasing he’s fully healthy. Henderson has all the tools you want from a running back, and a 1,350-yard and 18-touchdown season on the ground is within his capabilities.
With the Buckeyes choosing between lesser experienced quarterbacks in Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, Henderson’s receiving numbers could also improve. A valuable receiver when healthy, Henderson’s prowess in the short area of the field could lead to big numbers. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses 30 receptions and 400 yards in the passing game.
TreVeyon Henderson Player Profile
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 214
- Number: 32
- Class: Junior
- Hometown: Hopewell, Virginia
- High School: Hopewell
- Years Active: 2021-2023
- Previous School(s): n/a
- Draft Eligibility: 2024
TreVeyon Henderson Career Stats
- Attempts: 290
- Yards: 1,819
- TDs: 21
- Yards Per Carry: 6.3
- Receptions: 31
- Receiving Yards: 340
- Receiving TDs: 5
- Yards Per Catch: 10.9
