Post by rkozak201 on Jul 10, 2008 8:25:52 GMT -5
Express RB Jason Henley touches the ball less than twice a game, but his importance to the offense is crucial.
By Brian Rippey
Reading Eagle
Don't be deceived by the little numbers.
Running back Jason Henley is a big part of the Reading Express offense, even though he touches the ball less than twice a game.
The former Boyertown and Kutztown University standout has started every game for the Express, including the exhibition game against Arizona.
In 16 games Henley has carried just 22 times and caught only five passes. He is averaging less than 1 yard per carry.
"My role is simply to protect (quarterback) Rob Flowers when he's passing and to block for him when he decides to run the ball," Henley said. "When they call my number I've got to be ready and hopefully something good comes of it."
Giving Flowers time to throw will be Henley's primary responsibility again Saturday when the Express (11-4) hosts the Florence Phantoms (11-4) in the American Indoor Football Association Eastern Conference championship game at 7 p.m. in the Sovereign Center.
But Henley, who played tight end at Kutztown and Boyertown, has shown a knack for being a playmaker. In Reading's 65-57 East Division Championship win over Erie, Henley ran 2 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and caught a pass for a two-point conversion.
He has scored 5 touchdowns this season, nearly every five times he touches the ball.
"I'm always excited when we're down at the 1-yard line hoping that Coach will call my number," Henley said. "Every football player wants the ball more. But as I long as I'm winning I'm happy."
The Express is enjoying its third straight winning season and is hosting the conference championship game for the third straight year. Reading has won 19 straight in the Sovereign Center, including last year's conference championship game against Canton.
Florence also is among the 19 straight victims, losing to the Express 66-30 April 19. Since then, Florence has won 9-of-10, including eight straight. The only loss was by one point to South Division champion Mississippi.
Being part of a winning team is something new for Henley, who never played for a contender before.
"I have a chance right now to play for a championship," Henley said. "We won our division, which is neat. It's something I never got to experience in my football career. It's been fun."
The 6-4, 250-pound Henley is doing some other things for the first time that aren't quite as enjoyable. His first job is to pick up a blitzing linebacker with a full head of steam or a 300-pound defensive lineman after he has gotten through the offensive line.
"It's something coming into this year I didn't think it would be as tough as it's been," Henley said. "When I was a blocking tight end I usually has some help from an offensive tackle. I wasn't taking on a full-out blitzing linebacker. It has been a lot different."
•Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or brippey@readingeagle.com.
By Brian Rippey
Reading Eagle
Don't be deceived by the little numbers.
Running back Jason Henley is a big part of the Reading Express offense, even though he touches the ball less than twice a game.
The former Boyertown and Kutztown University standout has started every game for the Express, including the exhibition game against Arizona.
In 16 games Henley has carried just 22 times and caught only five passes. He is averaging less than 1 yard per carry.
"My role is simply to protect (quarterback) Rob Flowers when he's passing and to block for him when he decides to run the ball," Henley said. "When they call my number I've got to be ready and hopefully something good comes of it."
Giving Flowers time to throw will be Henley's primary responsibility again Saturday when the Express (11-4) hosts the Florence Phantoms (11-4) in the American Indoor Football Association Eastern Conference championship game at 7 p.m. in the Sovereign Center.
But Henley, who played tight end at Kutztown and Boyertown, has shown a knack for being a playmaker. In Reading's 65-57 East Division Championship win over Erie, Henley ran 2 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and caught a pass for a two-point conversion.
He has scored 5 touchdowns this season, nearly every five times he touches the ball.
"I'm always excited when we're down at the 1-yard line hoping that Coach will call my number," Henley said. "Every football player wants the ball more. But as I long as I'm winning I'm happy."
The Express is enjoying its third straight winning season and is hosting the conference championship game for the third straight year. Reading has won 19 straight in the Sovereign Center, including last year's conference championship game against Canton.
Florence also is among the 19 straight victims, losing to the Express 66-30 April 19. Since then, Florence has won 9-of-10, including eight straight. The only loss was by one point to South Division champion Mississippi.
Being part of a winning team is something new for Henley, who never played for a contender before.
"I have a chance right now to play for a championship," Henley said. "We won our division, which is neat. It's something I never got to experience in my football career. It's been fun."
The 6-4, 250-pound Henley is doing some other things for the first time that aren't quite as enjoyable. His first job is to pick up a blitzing linebacker with a full head of steam or a 300-pound defensive lineman after he has gotten through the offensive line.
"It's something coming into this year I didn't think it would be as tough as it's been," Henley said. "When I was a blocking tight end I usually has some help from an offensive tackle. I wasn't taking on a full-out blitzing linebacker. It has been a lot different."
•Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or brippey@readingeagle.com.
