Gator makes pitch for Seantrel Henderson

It’s been a month since Seantrel Henderson gave his verbal to USC. That’s a month without a formal commitment that would guarantee his presence on the 2010 roster. The Cretin-Derham Hall offensive lineman continues to wait for an NCAA ruling on Southern California athletics that may not come for several weeks. He’s not alone in his wait. Outside of USC, who stands to lose the most, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Miami and Florida also wait to see what they can possibly gain.

The unsettled situation at USC presents a backdoor opportunity for programs desiring the services of the nation’s top offensive line prospect. In just a matter of hours, schools went from conceding the loss of a 5-star player to drooling at the thought of reopening recruitment and a second serenade. If the NCAA hammer swings a dark cloud over Troy, Ohio State appears the likely frontrunner. But there is one Florida Gator making a pitch, hoping friendship can lure Henderson to the swamp to join an already superior class.

Ronald Powell, a Southern California product, is the crown jewel of Florida’s 2010 recruiting class. Having established a friendship with Seantrel Henderson, Powell continues to pitch the idea of the Minnesota standout joining him as a teammate in the swamp. Henderson took an official visit to Florida last year, and the Gators aren’t very high on his list, but the 5-star defensive lineman hasn’t given up on the 5-star offensive lineman, hoping the newfound camaraderie can score Florida a perfect ‘10.

Sean Henderson says his son’s choice will be a “business decision”, which reminds us of how far college recruitment has moved from being educational decisions that impacted the lives of young people. I’m not sure how a decision to play or not play for USC affects the family “business”, but I’m also puzzled that the Hendersons are the only family in America that didn’t know before February 3rd that USC was faced with a pending NCAA verdict to be announced at a later date.