Throughout his senior season, Yelm High School senior defensive back Arlo “AJ” Henderson Jr. pondered which college he would choose to further his career.
On Dec. 16, he committed to Southern Oregon University following an official visit.
The first team All-South Sound Conference defensive back chose SOU over offers from Montana Technological University, Culver-Stockton College, Erskine College, Bethel College and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
“It was definitely a weight off my shoulders. It was a big stressor for me,” Henderson said of his recruitment process. “The biggest thing I was thinking about other than the season was my recruitment, but now that it’s over, I can finally exhale.”
Henderson first visited Ashland in October to check out the Raiders’ homecoming game against Arizona Christian, and he made an official visit on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, when he received a scholarship offer, and he decided to sign with the Raiders upon his return.
“The biggest factor was how they treated me when I was there,” Henderson said of the coaching staff. “The treatment I got there was like I was already a part of the team. They really wanted me there, and they had a plan for me.”
He said he enjoyed the coaching staff’s liveliness and their individual personalities. He enjoyed the game-day atmosphere at Raider Stadium and envisioned himself suiting up for the team.
“You could tell the people in the community really love the team,” said Henderson, who plans to move on campus on Jan. 8. “I’m super excited to come in and make an impact as a freshman and immerse myself in the squad.”
Henderson said he hopes to grow as both a man and a football player during his time at SOU, and that the football team will get a player who will give it his all.
“They’re getting a player that’s gonna make sacrifices, a player that knows how to lead and knows how to do their job and fit the role they need to play,” he said. “It’s gonna be hard coming off of being a team captain at Yelm, but I’m ready for that kind of sacrifice.”
Henderson spent one year at YHS after transferring from Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida, and was quickly named a team captain. He recorded 33 tackles, five interceptions, one tackle for loss, one defensive touchdown and one punt return touchdown in his lone season. Despite his short time in Yelm, he is thankful for the community welcoming him and the relationships he built.
“I made a lot of friends, and we all got a lot of love for each other,” Henderson said. “It was the best time I ever had in my life just playing football, hanging out with friends and being around people who all had the same mindset as me and who wanted to win and be the best at what they did.
“My final message to Yelm is thank you for welcoming me because I could have just been another guy, but you really made me feel like I’ve been there,” he continued.
The Southern Oregon Raiders compete at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level in the Frontier Conference. The Raiders recently finished a 6-4 season in 2023, their best season since 2018.
