 Chad Henne Combine Interview Michigan quarterback Chad Henne was at the helm of the Wolverines offense for several years and put up big numbers for the Wolverines. Come April, he will be drafted and have to adapt to being the new kid on the block in the NFL. Henne talked with the media recently at the NFL Combine. How’s it going? “”It’s going pretty well. Just got finished with all the exams and last night I had a couple of interviews.’’ What teams did you interview with? “The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. What part of the game have you been working on the most? “Everybody is questioning my mobility outside the pocket throwing the ball. I’ve tried to do that outside and I’m always throwing the ball.’’ Any Injuries? “My shoulder is feeling 100 percent and my knee is 100 percent.’’ What were the injuries? “I separated my right shoulder, the A/C joint, and my right knee, I sprained my right PCL." How tough was it to play through the injuries? ”The shoulder was very difficult. I did that in Illinois, I played through that game. I missed Minnesota after that. It was tough. But against Florida, it felt pretty good. Did you have to take snaps in the shotgun because of your shoulder? “Yeah, definitely in the Illinois. My shoulder started sliding and coming out. So it wasn’t comfortable being under center.’’ You didn’t need surgery? ”Nope.’’ Where have you been training with? “Out in California. Bob Johnson is out there and I’ve trained myself for my quarterback skills and my velocity.’’ The offense against Florida, how is that going to help you? ”It was definitely a different perspective against Florida. We spread them out, we went empty, I was in the shotgun a lot. And throughout my career, I was mostly under center. It shows versatility, I guess, being in the shotgun and able to go under center.’’ People are thinking second round. Would that make sense? “It all depends. I’ll work out hard this week here at the combine and try to improve as much as I can.’’ Would it mean something to you to be the second Quarterback drafted? “”It would be a great opportunity for myself, but nobody can tell right now. I’ll just go out there, perform as well as I can and hopefully open some scouts’ eyes.’’ Did you do that at the Senior Bowl? ”Yeah, I think so. Coming off an MVP of that game. I had a really good week. Hopefully, I projected myself knowing I was healthy there and did the best I can.’’ How would you assess your career at Michigan? “Freshman year, we won the Big 10 championship, so it started out very well. Sophomore year, we slipped up and were 7-5. Went to the Alamo Bowl and lost to Nebraska. Just a difficult year overall. Junior year, 11-2, very good year. Lost to Ohio State by one point and lost in the Rose Bowl.’’ How much different are you now? “I’m definitely more knowledgeable of the game. Just being a smarter person, being a smarter quarterback, being able to take the leadership skills you need at the quarterback position, go out on the field and lead the team down the field. Just being able to identify coverages." Michigan quarterbacks. All find success in NFL? ”I think we’re very well prepared at Michigan. Just going in with all the experience we have, the coaches there that prepare us. It’s a good situation. It’s a good place to be.’’ Did you think about playing it safe at the combine? “I think at this point, I don’t need to play it safe. They haven’t seen a lot of me this year healthy so I’m doing everything I can right now to show that I’m healthy and get to that position I was ending my junior year.’’ What do you have to prove? “Just go out there, be accurate, show teams I have speed, go out there and run a good 40 time and just be agile. Just go out there and be myself.’’
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