Arkansas 2022 center pledge Eli Henderson shines in opener

South Carolina junior offensive lineman Eli Henderson.

— Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes junior offensive lineman Eli Henderson (6-4, 290) was one of the last of the 22 Arkansas commits in the 2021 and 2022 classes to take the field this fall, but made it a record-setting season opener.

Henderson, one of three Razorback 2022 pledges, made his debut at center for a Rebels offensive line that paved the way for over 400 yards rushing in his team’s 41-21 victory over Spartanburg on Friday night.

“We ran the ball like crazy,” noted Henderson, who had previously lined up at both tackle and guard. “We probably passed the ball only seven times and had 400-plus rushing yards.”

Sophomore Damareyon “Mack” Long broke the school’s single-game rushing record with 309 yards, topping the mark set by former South Carolina, All-SEC and NFL running back Marcus Lattimore.

It was Long’s debut as a varsity player and a comeback win after Spartenburg jumped ahead 14-0 in the first quarter.

“It was awesome, a fun night and it didn’t happen against a bad defense,” Henderson said. “They had some (defensive) guys up front that were 300 pounds and some others that were just flying around the field. It was real fun to be a part of that.”

The team’s rushing prowess was expected by Henderson, who chose Arkansas over fellow co-finalists Georgia and Arizona State on August 10 while also getting interest from Clemson, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Louisville and others.

“The whole thing with the off-season is we knew we were going to be really good on the offensive line,” Henderson said. “There have been some people speculating that we were going to be the best (offensive line) in the last couple of decades.

“That was kind of held over our heads so we knew what was expected of us going in and we had to produce and hold up those expectations. That is what we have been working for this whole time. I am really proud of these guys. We click well.

“Hopefully we can keep it up and be a part of something special that will be remembered for years and last for a long time.”

The defense helped out three sacks, seven tackles for lost yardage, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and special teams blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown.

“The guys were anxious to say the least,” Henderson said. “The first week, we got the first little jitters out of the way and then we just got the ball rolling. I am real proud of the guys.”

Henderson and his family watched Arkansas’ 37-10 loss to No. 4 Georgia on Saturday in a game the Razorbacks led 7-2 until the last play of the first half.

“Me and my family watched the whole game and had food going and the whole thing,” Henderson said. “Honestly, I am real excited about where the program is going. The first half was so exciting. We had the lead and even had what would have been like a 95-yard touchdown called back because of a false start.

“There is a lot of stuff that needs to be fixed, but coming off the huge break because of covid, you expected some things to be rusty and rough. But if that is what our rusted and rough look like, I am really excited about the future.”

Henderson’s team is guaranteed only six regular season games with a possible three more in the state playoffs but he is happy with that instead of sacking the season.

“For awhile I was scared,” Henderson said. “I was just working out in my garage and praying we would get a season. I think around two months ago that it was getting to the point where we had so much time put in and we didn’t know if we would play this fall, this spring or not at all. I’ll take the six and hope for the nine.”