What We Heard: K.J. Henry

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, K.J. Henry spoke to the media ahead of the season opener versus Georgia Tech on Monday. 

Henry discussed the shifts brought about due to coordinator changes, how he feels the team has had an overall mindset shift in the right direction and how improved the team is on both sides of the ball.

Henry reflected on navigating changes made in the offseason, but affirmed that he has found a new level of confidence in his own maturity and leadership in guiding some of the younger guys on the defense. He also affirmed his confidence and contentment with the coaching shifts made in the offseason.

“A whole lot of new. New coordinators. New roles for different guys, who are growing and developing,” Henry said Wednesday. “It’s been fun. It’s been fun to navigate that space. Being a fifth-year guy, it is very easy for a lot of people in my situation to say this year’s about me. Now it’s just time to get mine and get out of here. But that’s so far from what it’s been. It’s been so fun to navigate this leadership role and just hone in on this defense.”

“Wes (Goodwin) and Coach (Mickey) Conn have been awesome,” Henry continued. “They’re listening to us. More than anything, they want to win. They want to win and dominate and that’s what we want to do as players. We’ve been like-minded in that regard and it’s been fun to attack each day, especially practice.”

It was the culture that Henry really emphasized in why Clemson coach Dabo Swinney chose to make hires within his current staff. Henry regarded the vision of Swinney to be what made these coaching transitions ideal for the athletes.

“Everything we need we already have here,” Henry said. “Everyone he has brought in, Coach Swinney, he has done a great job. He sees it before we ever could. Alluding to new coordinators, people who might need to come in here, as players we might say this guy has the best name, this guy has the best pedigree, but Coach…