UCF's Demari Henderson emerged as a rising star in 2022, finishing the season as a starting safety and earning a spot on the All-Big 12 team as an honorable mention.
Henderson finished the year with 45 tackles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. We caught up with him following Tuesday's spring practice.
Henderson said the Oklahoma State game was a special game for him. He got his first interception in that game and then added a second. He reflected more on that game and said they were fully aware about the outside noise regarding OSU RB Ollie Gordon and how people thought he would run all over the defense. They knew they had to step up in that game.
Knowing how big that game was for him, he said he was on "cloud nine," just knowing what a big impact he made.
The biggest thing about Ted Roof's defense is bringing a lot of different pressures.
He played with Chasen Johnson at Seminole, so it's cool seeing him do well this spring at corner.
His brother Ja'Cari is trying to work his way back from injury. He knows he'll get back.
Goals for this season - he just wants to win. Win a championship. As far as they can go.
Defense has to stop the run this year.
In regards to the defensive transfers, DeMari says "everybody" is standing out, like Ladarius Tennison, Bryon Threats and Antione Jackson.
He's looking forward to the UF game. They recruited him a little bit.
Jimmy Horn, one of his close friends from Seminole, plays for Colorado so that game will be a homecoming of sorts. There will be a lot of talking in that one. He knows he's pumped up for the game.
Everybody is focused. They know they were better than their 6-7 record. No playing in the weight room. They're trying to win every game and get to the Big 12 Championship.
