Name: Tre Hendon
School: Lindenwood University
Position: LB
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 230

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

I wanted to win conference and then go win a national championship. We ended up winning back to back conference championships and had another playoff appearance but fell short in the first round to Grand Valley.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I took this extra time to be a student of the game. I wanted to learn the little nuances of every position on the field and in every coverage so I knew how to best play my position. This took extra film study, time on the white board and keeping my head in the playbook to learn D-line games, blitz bluffs, and defensive back rotations and disguises as well. At the next level you’re playing chess not checkers so simply knowing your own assignment and lining up exactly in it every play simply isn’t enough.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would say that I’m selfless and determined, a hard worker, and a quick learner. I’m the type of player to lead by example and my play makes the people around me play better as well. I love to practice and make my own teammates compete at a high level as well. Constantly holding others around me accountable on and off the field.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

I am my biggest critic. I could have a TFL and be upset because I didn’t strip the ball away as well. I try to focus on offensive tendencies that they don’t even know they have. Pre-play reads are huge for me. I look at formations that they might have certain run/pass tendencies in. I look at OL body language for their own personal run/pass tells. You can see pulling lineman that may line up half a step back to reach their assignment, running backs looking side to side when they’re about to pass pro trying to pick up who’s blitzing instead of looking straight ahead on a run play. Receiver splits that may indicate specific route concepts. Film study can show a lot and there’s more to each play that the just the end result. Each player usually has a tell if you’re willing to exploit that.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I’m very versatile in my position. Throughout the COVID year I trained with the defensive backs on the team to get my footwork, pass drops, and coverage skills sharpened. I also worked with the D-Line to work on pass rush moves and edge setting. I was able play both Will and Sam linebacker positions throughout the season. This proved to show my attention to detail and adaptability as well. I’ve had plays where the offense goes into empty formation and I’m lined up at corner guarding the RB man to man. There would be a series where I’m lined up blitzing a tackle in Bear front and in the next series I’m 14 yards off the ball covering deep middle of the field. Doing what’s asked of me at a high level in these different positions separates me from the rest of the linebackers in this class.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I’m heading back to my hometown in Peoria, Illinois and I plan to train with Eric Crowhurst at 360 Speed and Performance. They provide services second to none. I’ve been working out with him since I was about 13 years old. Having him in my corner and knowing my strengths and abilities will be beneficial for me because he knows how to get the best out of me. Their facilities not only provide training, but recovery processes as well.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I believe my speed and strength at my position are two tangible things that will jump out to scouts on film. My knowledge for the game, but constant hunger to learn more will also help me. Being able to adapt and implement things I learn on the fly will keep me ahead of the game and making plays. My detail-oriented nature on and off the field helps me to stay disciplined as well. Striving to lead by example before I say anything is a pretty big mantra of mine. I love to earn my respect instead of thinking it’s automatically given.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

I know for a fact I can be a viable asset to any professional organization that decides to bet on me. I’m a playmaker and game changer on defense and all four phases of special teams. I’ve been tested in college against the best and the tape doesn’t lie. I’ve been betting on myself since I was coming out of high school and won’t stop now. I can positively impact any organization on and off the field with my leadership, work ethic, determination, and adaptability. My size, speed, and knowledge of the game makes me very versatile on the field and my eagerness to learn and to constantly improve is what keeps me on the field. I would have an immediate impact for whichever organization bets on me.