ARLINGTON, Texas — TreVeyon Henderson was reading scripture from the Old Testament earlier this month when he was struck by a series of passages about loyalty.
He took them as a sign from God.
“I felt him speaking to me,” Henderson said, “like he was calling me to be loyal to my teammates.”
The reflection led the Ohio State running back to commit to playing in this week’s Cotton Bowl against Missouri.
“I hear people talking about how this game is not important,” Henderson said, “but at the same time, God has given me and this team another opportunity to play together. I look at is as blessing.”
Henderson let his Christian faith guide the first of his two major decisions over the span of a month.
The next one is whether to remain with the Buckeyes as a senior for next year or declare for the NFL draft. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to file paperwork for early entry.
A host of factors would seem to influence Henderson, ranging from his projected draft grade and feedback to the goals left to fulfill at Ohio State.
Other juniors weighing a similar decision have pointed to a chance to reclaim the top spot in the Big Ten and pursue a national championship as they consider returning for another season.
But Henderson said he will continue to look for divine inspiration as he mulls his future.
“I got all these factors that I talk to the coaches about,” he said “but at the same time, I don’t know what those next steps will look like if I do come back or if I leave. But God does. That’s why I pray on it. He gives me all the answers. He leads me to where I need to go.”
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Henderson’s faith has deepened this year. He was baptized in April at a Baptist church near his hometown in Hopewell, Virginia.
He felt it put him in a healthier frame of mind.
“I don’t live my life for football,” he said. “I don’t live my life for money. I live my life for the Lord.”
Henderson hopes the coming weeks will bring clarity.
In the immediate future, his availability will provide a significant boost for the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl on Friday. The opening of the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month thinned out the depth in their backfield. Backups Evan Pryor and Chip Trayanum both transferred. Miyan Williams declared for the draft.
The exodus left Henderson as one of Ohio State’s only two available scholarship running backs, along with Dallan Hayden. When the Buckeyes have practiced at AT&T Stadium this week, walk-on TC Caffey has followed them in the rotation in drills.
“I miss my brothers,” Henderson said, “but they had to do what is best for themselves.”
None of the backs have been as central to the Buckeyes’ offense as Henderson.
Despite missing three games in October due to an injury to his upper body, he has led Ohio State in rushing with 854 yards and 11 touchdowns and been a capable threat as a pass catcher with 19 receptions for 229 yards.
“When he gets the ball in his hands, he’s always likely to take it to house,” offensive coordinator Brian Hartline said. “We are definitely a better team running the ball when we have Tre in there.”
Hartline added that Henderson has been practicing hard in the leadup to kickoff.
“He knows how important this game is,” he said. “We have a good package of thoughts of what we want to get done with Tre. He’s done a great job being a leader through bowl prep, and we’re excited to let it rip.”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch and can be reached at jkaufman@dispatch.com.