COLUMBUS, Ohio — The big game between Michigan State and Ohio State this Saturday wouldn’t be complete without a good homecoming.

For one member of the Spartans defense, returning to Columbus is a special moment that carries extra motivation in trying to topple the Buckeyes. 

What You Need To Know

  • Xavier Henderson is a former Pickerington Central star who is now one of the leaders on Michigan State’s defense

  • Henderson has emerged as a leader for the Spartans in his senior season

  • Henderson’s family, friends and former coaches will all be rooting for the Columbus-area native on Saturday

  • The Spartans and Buckeyes clash at noon on Saturday in a top 10 battle with major playoff implications

Four years ago, Xavier Henderson was leading the Pickerington Central Tigers to its first Division I state championship. Memories that will last forever. 

“High school was such a special time for me,” Henderson said. “Coach Sharrett was such a special person. The staff, my friends, my teammates, I just feel so close to them. 

Pick Central Head Coach Jay Sharrett said Henderson was one of the biggest reasons why the Tigers finally broke through, building on that momentum ever since. 

“The best all-around football player I’ve ever coached,” Sharrett said. “No doubt about it.” 

After leading the Tigers to the title, Henderson committed to Mark Dantonio’s Spartans.

Over the past few seasons, Henderson’s career at MSU wasn’t going as smooth as planned.

Dantonio stepped down and the team struggled while facing NCAA violations. Current MSU head coach Mel Tucker took over, but Henderson never wavered in his commitment to the Spartans. 

“I had always been on pretty good teams ever since I was younger,” Henderson said. “Coming up here, I haven’t faced adversity like that. That just kind of made me a tougher person. I think I grew up because of that.” 

That's something his high school coach is very proud of. 

“When the new staff came in, of course, it’s an adjustment,” Sharrett said. “But unlike when you’re in high school, he’s a grown man now and men have to adjust. I think that’s what he’s done. He’s taken and excelled with it. Michigan State is having a great season and I’m sure he’s going to finish up this season strong.” 

Now Henderson is one of the leaders of the Spartans defense who hopes to upset the Buckeyes, especially after the hometown team never offered him a scholarship. 

“Those guys have done so well in the past and since I’ve been in college,” Henderson said. “I haven’t got the chance to beat them yet. It would mean a lot just because it would be our 10th win and one more we would get to the Big Ten Championship.”

Henderson will have plenty of support in the stands, which gives him even more motivation to play well on Saturday.

“It just means a lot for me to be able to go out and show out a little bit,” Henderson said. “For the guys to be proud of me and the coach Sharrett to be proud of me. It means a lot. I know some of the coaches will be at the game.” 

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