Asked if Taylor Henkle exceeded expectations last season as Kennesaw State’s starting safety, coach Brian Bohannon, defensive coordinator Brian Newberry and Henkle himself each pause for a half-second before saying, “Yes.”
Playing as a freshman on a team filled with more freshmen because it was the Owls’ first season, Henkle became an all-Big South performer after leading his team in tackles (65), interceptions (4) and passes broken up (4). Kennesaw State went 6-5 and will open this season hosting East Tennessee State on Sept. 3 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
“I came out with an open mindset of just playing hard, playing fast and having fun,” Henkle said. “I didn’t know what to expect. No one had played college football at Kennesaw State.
“There was a little fear in that not wanting to disappoint, so there’s extra motivation.”
Newberry said Henkle succeeded because he focused on doing just his job. Though not the most physically gifted player – Newberry said if you were to watch Henkle in individual drills he wouldn’t be tabbed an all-conference player — Henkle used his instincts and intelligence to make plays.
Henkle has gotten bigger (added eight pounds) faster and stronger (each of his lifts have increased in weight) during this offseason. He also has a better understanding of why certain defensive plays are called in certain situation that should benefit himself and his teammates.
Now, Bohannon and Newberry want Henkle to become more of a leader on the defense. Naturally quiet, Bohannon said if Henkle will speak, his teammates will listen because they respect him.
“At this level, you have to step outside your comfort zone,” Henkle said. “If I can do that on the defensive side of the ball it will help in the locker room and on the field on Saturdays.”
Henkle admits to being slightly worried about a sophomore slump because it happened to him at Kell High School in Marietta. He was dealing with a first rib fracture in the summer after his freshman year that prevented him from working out, conditioning and participating in seven-on-seven drills. He was cleared a week before the opener. He said sitting out the summer affected him physically and mentally with his confidence.
“I’ve kept that in the back of my mind to stay strong and not get tired of the process of preparing for a season,” he said.
Bohannon said he doesn’t think Henkle will take a step back because he’s so steady.
“Guys like that, you don’t expect them to change,” Bohannon said.
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