Henderson joins Rhamondre Stevenson atop New England’s depth chart.
Before running back TreVeyon Henderson announced his future at Ohio State prior to his junior season, his Buckeyes made a big-time move in the transfer portal to land fellow back Quinshon Judkins, who was coming off a season in which he ran for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns at Ole Miss.
But as Henderson ultimately returned for the 2024 season, the back, who dealt with injuries the year prior, was now set to become apart of a rotation atop their running back depth chart
While it was largely new territory for the duo, things worked out in the end as both Henderson and Judkins topped 1,000 rushing yards and double digit touchdowns for the eventual National Champion Buckeyes en route to being selected atop the second-round in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Joining the New England Patriots in the second-round, Henderson now finds himself in a similar spot he was a year ago apart of a backfield that already features Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. But following his season with Judkins, Henderson has learned how to handle the situation.
“The biggest thing that taught me last year is that I learned how to be unselfish,” Henderson said following the team’s minicamp. “I learned how to put the team over my individual goals and what I wanted to accomplish, and so that’s the biggest thing coming here. I just want to give it everything that I got to really help this team, however I can.”
With the near 230-pound Stevenson still primarily serving as an early-down option throughout New England’s offseason program, Henderson’s explosiveness served as a strong complement working in with him.
That especially rang true in the passing game — a part of the rookie’s game that impressed at Ohio State where Henderson caught 77 passes over his collegiate career. As Henderson continues to find his role in New England’s offense, his experience as a pass catcher will be counted on.
“Coach McDaniels, he’s a great offensive coordinator. He does a great job featuring the running backs, and so the biggest thing is I just want to continue to listen as a player and take coaching,” Henderson said.
“Just when I come into the building, just try to work on my game, work on my craft, especially running routes out the back field. The role that I can fit into the team to help the team win, I’m willing to do that.”
The history of pass-catching backs in New England under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is well-documented throughout the years. Through Henderson’s early film study, one back in particular has stood out to him.
“He dang near looked like a receiver, but man, he was a great running back here,” Henderson said of James White. “Just his great receiving ability that he had. In one-on-one matchups, it seems like he was winning every time. But man, he was such a great player. He made a huge impact to help this team win games just running routes out of the back field and stuff.
“I really just want to continue to watch film, study, and learn and grow as a player.”