MANSFIELD — TreVeyon Henderson was born and raised in Virginia, but he has a soft spot in his heart for the youth of Mansfield.
Henderson and former Ohio State teammate Gee Scott Jr. made their way to Arlin Field on a steamy Thursday afternoon for a free youth football camp. The event, sponsored by The Walk Foundation, attracted more than 100 participants.
“Mansfield is really close to my heart,” said Henderson, a second-round pick of the New England Patriots. “I feel like God has placed that on my heart, giving me a desire to come back here.
“This area reminds me a lot of where I grew up. There are a lot of misleading things for kids so I want to be able to come back here and spread God’s light and try to lead them down the right path.”
Both Henderson and Scott offered powerful messages of Faith at the conclusion of the event, which included drills, seven-on-seven games and a camp-concluding fastest player competition.
Campers were treated to lunch afterward.
I’m a big believer that if positive community leaders aren’t the ones who are going to lead the children, then the wrong people will be glad to do it — and that’s not the path I want to see these kids go down.
Former Ohio State tight end Gee Scott Jr.
“I’m a big believer that if positive community leaders aren’t the ones who are going to lead the children, then the wrong people will be glad to do it — and that’s not the path I want to see these kids go down,” Scott Jr. said.
“I think there are a lot of negative influences in the world and any time we can be the light and help encourage positive behavior moving forward in their lives, I would love to do so.”
Scott Jr. joined Henderson in New England after signing as an undrafted free agent. The transition from major college football to pro football has been relatively smooth.
“Ohio State did a great job of preparing me for these things,” Scott Jr. said. “In college they hold your hand.
“In the NFL, they’ll just cut you if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do. It’s your job to be responsible for yourself.”
The past five months have been a whirlwind for Scott Jr. and Henderson. They were both a big part of the offense as the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame 34-23 in the National Championship Game on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
“I’ve been busy, but it’s a good kind of busy. I’ve been enjoying every moment,” Henderson said. “I’m still grinding and trying to get better, but getting away from football for a little bit and relaxing a little bit has been good.”
So what’s the biggest different between college and the pros?
“It’s fast up there,” Henderson said. “It’s bigger and more physical, but I’m prepared.”
For now, the NFL can wait.
“It’s so important to be here because these kids will look up to those who they see each and every day,” Henderson said. “I’m just hoping when I get the opportunity that I can try to lead kids and point them towards Jesus.”
