Bradlee Anae To Line Up Against ASU’s 17-Year-Old Left Tackle
Oct 16, 2019, 4:17 PM
Eno Benjamin #3 and Cohl Cabral #73 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates after Benjamin scored his second touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at California Memorial Stadium on September 27, 2019 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Arizona State’s starting left tackle, LaDarius Henderson is 17 years old and will not turn 18 until December. While starting for any college football team is impressive, starting as a true freshman that has not even celebrated his 18th birthday, is monumental.
Combine that with the fact that Henderson plays the most important position on the offensive line, and you have a miracle.
Henderson was thrown into action during Arizona State’s Week 3 victory against Michigan State. In his first start, he was tasked with stopping a formidable Spartan defense and succeeded in doing so. Despite allowing four sacks against the Spartans, Arizona State prevailed in a 10-7 nailbiter.
During the four-game stretch in which Hendersen has started for Arizona State, he has given up 10 sacks. Averaging 2.5 sacks allowed per game.
Hendersen stands at 6’4 and weighs 285 pounds, pretty impressive considering his age.
Prior to arriving at ASU, Hendersen was listed as a three-star prospect by the 247 composite rankings. His only power-five offer came from Arizona State.
The Upcoming Challenge
However, this week will be a different challenge for the young left tackle as he prepares to go up against one of the best defensive line units in college football and a defensive end that has given left tackles fits for a number of years. Bradlee Anae is a veteran in college football, he is in his senior year and is in the running to win Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
There might be several reps on Saturday where ASU freshmen OL LaDarius Henderson and Dohnovan West are lined up across from Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae. @georgewrighster pic.twitter.com/amwfCmidwA
— Ralph Amsden (@ralphamsden) October 16, 2019
To date, Anae has recorded the second-most sacks in the Pac-12 with four. He is an established leader that is full of confidence and must be licking his lips with the upcoming matchup against Hendersen this weekend.
Chances are, Hendersen will not sleep very well the night before. Best of luck, young man. You might need it.
No. 24 ASU getting loose ahead of tonight’s Pac-12 opener vs. Colorado. Peep OL coach Dave Christensen giving pointers to true freshman starting LT Ladarius Henderson pic.twitter.com/A70n0S5dCe
— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) September 22, 2019
Former University of Utah offensive coordinator, Dave Christensen, is now the offensive line coach for Arizona State. Christensen did not leave Utah on the best of terms, although we do not know specifics, you best believe that Anae and the defensive line will have extra motivation to get in the face of freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Utah and Arizona State will kickoff on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
