BOCA RATON – FAU’s career sack leader and the Owls’ new high profile head coach both came away from their first meeting impressed by the other.
Hendrickson, who is preparing for the Owls March 30 Pro Day and the upcoming NFL Draft, visited the FAU football offices on Wednesday where he was able to see Lane Kiffin’s competitive nature first hand.
“All of his goals were in line with all of my goals,” Hendrickson said. “I think I would have thrived underneath him.”
Hendrickson added that even during their brief conversation he could see that Kiffin understood the motivational aspects of the position.
“He brings that dog out of you,” Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson was one of the lone bright spots for FAU last season, leading the Owls with 9.5 sacks despite being double and triple teamed on almost every snap.
“He was here, and what a great competitor,” Kiffin said. “You could just tell by being with him. He looks great – obviously had a great combine.”
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Hendrickson ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, seventh-fastest among defensive linemen, and his 11.43 time in the 60-yard shuttle was tops among defensive linemen.
He also interviewed with all 32 teams and stands to become the first FAU defensive lineman ever drafted.
Kiffin and Hendrickson said they discussed the program’s future and what it would take for the Owls to break their current string of three consecutive 3-9 seasons. He believes Kiffin will hold the players to a higher standard.
“He doesn’t need to baby the players,” Hendrickson said. “There’s an expectation. If you don’t want to follow the expectations, it’s lead, follow or get out of the way.”
Hendrickson walked away from the meeting believing Kiffin’s approach will benefit current players.
“It’s more than just talk,” Hendrickson said. “If you don’t want to put up, just get out of the way.”
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