The only true freshman to make the “Up Close” series, Cory Henry prepares for the 2010 season as one of the top four defensive ends on Florida Atlantic’s two-deep depth chart. Having originally signed a letter of intent with the Owls for the fall of 2009, Henry didn't join the squad until this past spring semester at FAU. Once enrolled, his presence was instantly felt on the practice fields, as he made plays a established a strong case to crack the defensive line rotation.

Coming out of Carol City High School in Miami Gardens Florida, Henry was rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and the 30th best defensive end in the nation that year. By recording 60 tackles and 14 sacks his senior year, his overall performance was good enough to be awarded as the 2008-09 Florida Defensive Player of the Year Award by the South Florida Touchdown Club for 4A, 5A, 6A.

With scholarship offers to Kansas State, Florida Atlantic, Florida Intentional and heavy interest from Syracuse on the table, Henry selected the Owls at the end of his recruitment process. Currently a backup to sophomore Kevin Cyrille, he will have the opportunity to contribute this fall to a FAU pass rush that only managed 12 sacks last season.

Henry recently sat down with us for “Up Close”.

Quick Hits

What is your favorite food?

“Fried Chicken.”

What is your pet peeve?

“Whistling.”

Who is your current off the field role model?

“Nobody.”

What are you most proud of?

“Getting to college on a scholarship.”

What is your major?

“Computer Science, I want to fix computers.”

What is your Faith?

“I don’t have one.”

Line of scrimmage

What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength?

“Speed and quickness.”

What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness?

“Technique and learning the plays.”

Down the field

Besides football, what brought you to FAU?

“I don’t really know.”

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

“Get a sack every game and a tackle for loss in the season opener. When the season is over I want to be a Freshman All-American.”

What game are you looking forward to the most next season?

“All of them, one at a time.”

What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally?

“Free time I am in the gym, or in my room watching TV.”