Jaquan Henderson plans to leave Georgia Tech as grad transfer

Georgia Tech linebacker Jaquan Henderson (left) and linebacker Tre' Jackson celebrate their 30-27 overtime victory over the Virginia Nov. 17, 2018, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia Tech linebacker Jaquan Henderson (left) and linebacker Tre' Jackson celebrate their 30-27 overtime victory over the Virginia Nov. 17, 2018, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.

After playing three seasons for the Yellow Jackets, Georgia Tech defensive end Jaquan Henderson intends to transfer following his graduation. Henderson, who was not on the roster after it was updated last week for the start of the preseason, explained his decision from his Twitter account Monday.

“After much thought and consideration with the guidance from my former coaching staff, we have come to the agreement that it is best for me to pursue other options for the betterment of my career,” Henderson wrote. “While I intend to stay at Georgia Tech for the remainder of my senior year only to earn my degree, afterwards I will be pursuing football opportunities elsewhere.”

Henderson also thanked former coach Paul Johnson and coach Geoff Collins “for their investment into my knowledge as a player” and expressed gratefulness to teammates, whom he said he’ll consider family “no matter where this decision may take us.”

Upon graduation, Henderson will have one season of eligibility and can play immediately as a grad transfer. In three seasons at Tech, Henderson played in 30 games, including two starts at defensive end at the start of the 2019 season. Playing multiple positions while playing for three different defensive coordinators, Henderson had 34 career tackles, including a career-high 16 last season.

Henderson was one of four scholarship players who had not announced plans to leave the team who were not on the new roster. The three others were wide receiver Stephen Dolphus, tight end Luke Johns and offensive lineman Harrison Jump.