9/30/22
Like most college kids, Zac Henson was ready to sit in his favorite chair for a little R&R late Monday evening. He’s earned it, too.
A two-year starter on the offensive line, the Ouachita Baptist University junior is living out every kid’s dream.
“When you are done with practice, you want to sit around and just chill,” Henson said. “But you have to force yourself to study. I’ve definitely learned, as far as playing sports, once you get to the college level, it's even more important to have a plan.”
Last Saturday, Henson’s collegiate career came full circle when he stepped on the field against the Harding Bison — the team he debuted against as a true freshman in the fall of 2019.
Heading into Saturday’s game with Northeastern Oklahoma, Henson has started 15 consecutive games. He appeared in nine games as a freshman.
Because of the COVID-19 breakout in 2020, he’s classified as a redshirt junior.
"Really, it's been buying into the process and adjusting to the college life,” Henson said. “A lot of it is time management and adjusting to the speed of the game, too. Once I made that adjustment, I bought into the process.”
He latched onto one of OBU’s top linemen, too.
During the fall of 2019, when Henson was called on to help with “heavy packages” and a blocking fullback, he sought the advice of former OBU lineman Cori Gooseberry.
“He really taught me a lot about technique,” Henson said. “Once you get to college, it’s a lot of technique. In high school, you are bigger and you can get away without a lot of technique.
“He (Gooseberry) showed me how to be finesse with my hands.”
The Tigers (4-0) have won 13-2 with Henson in the starting lineup. And they’re nationally ranked, too.
The Tigers are ranked in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll.
“It's really too cool to look at, but right now we're focused on this week,” Henson said. “That's what we've got to do.”
Henson helped the Airedales amass a 16-5 5A-West record during his prep playing career, including playoff wins over Blytheville and White Hall.
A 2019 Alma graduate, Henson has maintained a heavy class load, which includes 15 hours this semester. He is on course to graduate in the fall of 2023.
Henson has been named to the OBU’s Dean’s list every semester of his college career.