High Profile -- Anthony Henry

By ROGER MILLS and PETE YOUNG
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 13, 2002

IN THE BEGINNING

Born Anthony Daniel Henry, on Nov. 3, 1976 in Fort Myers, the Browns cornerback should be no stranger to Tampa Bay fans, and particularly to Raymond James Stadium. Henry was a four-year starter at the University of South Florida in the secondary. A member of the Bulls first ever recruiting class, Henry finished his career with 256 tackles and a school-record 10 interceptions.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS

A former quarterback, Anthony appeared as a cornerback and safety while playing for the Bulls. There even were a few appearances at wide receiver. He was instant impact at USF. Henry played every game his first two seasons and had 145 tackles over that span. "He had played quarterback and safety in high school (Estero) and the other colleges didn't know where he could play," Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said. "They didn't know if he had the speed to play corner and that's how we got him. He was our best defensive back."

THE ARRIVAL

Drafted by the Browns in the fourth round, 97th overall, Henry was expected to provide depth for the rebuilding franchise. But the 6-foot-1, 204-pounder ended up having a remarkable first season. Henry played in every game for the Browns, with two starts, and finished tied with Ronde Barber for the NFL lead in interceptions with 10. Henry became the first rookie to lead the league in interceptions since Vikings rookie Orlando Thomas had nine in 1995.

THE DOG DAYS

For Henry, the 2002 season hasn't started with quite the same bang. He had three interceptions in his second game his rookie year, but after five games this season Henry has yet to record an interception (interestingly, neither has Barber).

REGARDING HENRY

Henry doesn't have an interception this season. But you would never know it listening to coach Butch Davis rave about him. "Anthony is a remarkably special kid," Davis said. "He obviously came into the National Football League with less fanfare than a lot of guys. He was hungry. He was like a sponge; he wanted to learn. He was eager to practice. The successes he had, he earned them." Davis said Henry, who has played mostly in nickel situations since being drafted in the fourth round last season, got a lot of his interceptions last season because teams picked on him. This season, opponents seemingly respect him more and haven't thrown his way as much. "We feel like he's going to have a terrific career," Davis said. "He's young and he's hungry and he loves to learn and he has a lot of pride and he wants to be a good player. He's got all of the intangibles that indicate he should have a very special career."

THE GOOD WORD

"No, not at all. He's a tremendous player. He's focused and has a mind-set, and has the mental capabilities to play at any level. ... He was one of the hardest working and most focused players in USF history." -- Leavitt on whether he was surprised by Henry's instant success for the Browns.

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