Vienna Vikings sign All-American defensive end

The Vienna Vikings will have an outstanding defensive end again next year. Newberry Wolves standout Jamarcus Henderson will inherit the position from Blake Nelson.

Wolves’ all-time sack leader

Jamarcus Henderson had a remarkable collegiate career. Despite being an unranked recruit out of high school, the South Carolina native drew interest from some Division I schools, but ultimately committed to play for Division II Newberry College in his home state.

Henderson started in every game including a Division II playoffs appearance as a freshman showing potential before becoming a star at Newberry. With 65 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his sophomore season, Henderson played a vital role for the team, leading the Wolves to their second straight playoff appearance, something the school never achieved before. His performance earned him a First-Team All-Conference selection.

Although the Wolves struggled in his junior and senior season, finishing with 5-6 record twice, Henderson was one of the best players in the country. With 138 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and two interceptions over those two seasons, the standout edge rusher earned First-Team AllConference honors in both seasons. For his impressive 2018 showings he earned made the AllAmerican team and was a finalist for the Blanchard Rogers award, which is awarded so South Carolina’s most outstanding college player.

Henderson ended his collegiate career as Newberry’s all-time sack leader and ranked second in sacksin SAC history. A few years later he made his way to Europe. After spending a season with the Cottbus Crayfish in Germany and played for the Kotka Eagles in the Maple League in 2022. In the upcoming season the once All-American will play for the reigning champions in the European League of Football.

Have you seen this yet?

“Jamarcus fits the mold of what all are looking for in an American playmaker.”

Jamarcus Henderson is a perfect fit according to head coach Chris Calaycay : „Last season we only played a handful of games with two imports on defense and we can‘t wait to see what we are going to look like up-front with the addition of Henderson. Jamarcus fits the mold of what all are looking for in an American playmaker. I think that his versatility, motor, and explosiveness will give offenses problems and will take the focus off other pass rushers that we possess."

Henderson himself is eager to take the field with his new team: “I’ve been interested in signing with Vienna since Coach Calaycay contacted me earlier this year. Since then, I watched and studied almost every game they played in the European League of Football. Also, the atmosphere and the fan base took me by surprise and seeing the support that the team had intrigued me. My expectations for 2023 is to win the championship again but go undefeated. I look forward to building chemistry with my teammates and supporting my team anyway I can.