April 27, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Former Southern Miss defensive lineman Robert Henderson (Ponchatoula, La.) was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Giants in the National Football League draft Sunday.

Henderson was the 199th overall selection in the draft being held in New York City and the first Southern Miss player chosen since 2004 when Michael Boley (5th round) was taken by the Atlanta Falcons and Jeremy Parquet (7th round) went to the Kansas City Chiefs.

At 6-foot-3, 283 lbs., Henderson earned four letters during his career as the Golden Eagles compiled a 30-21 overall record during that time and reached a bowl game in all four of his seasons.

Over 46 career games, he tallied 173 total tackles (115 solos, 58 assisted) to go along with 29.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. Henderson added nine passes broken up, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. He finished his career by making 30 consecutive starts.

A 2007 honorable mention Conference USA selection, Henderson also garnered second-team accolades by the media in 2006 and third team by the coaches.