Sitting Down With Henry Hogshead

SolarCane: Hi Henry, I’ve read a lot of good things about you on the recruiting sites.

Henry Hogshead: Hi Mr. Solarcane, some of that stuff is probably exaggerated.

SC: How do you feel your talent compares to the top five national recruits?

HH: I would have to say I’m a little more talented than all five of them combined.

SC:  When did scouts first start coming to your games to watch you play?

HH:  When I was in Pee Wee, Southlake Carol coaches would stop by and ask me for advice on running the Butter offense.

SC: Talk about Southlake Carol (seen at left against MNWHS).

HH: They are mostly an overrated pack of rich white kids that schedule teams with less talent year in and year out.

SC: You sound a little bit racist categorizing them as a pack of rich white kids.

HH: Oh sorry, let me say it another way. They are a wealthy black kid and seventy five rich white kids that schedule teams with less talent.

SC: Florida, Texas and California seem to be hot beds for high school football players. People say it is because kids can play year round, is that the reason?

HH: No man, the reason is kids in Texas, Florida and California PLAY football not a video game about it.

SC: Are you pretty good at X-BOX360 and that stuff Henry?

HH: (rolls his eyes) You are kidding right?

SC: You’re a proud Texan what’s the best thing about Texas?

HH: It’s not Oklahoma.

SC: So I guess you won’t be going to college in Oklahoma?

HH: The kids in Oklahoma don’t even go to Oklahoma if they can avoid it.

SC: Henry your grandfather, Harold "The Wiz" Hogshead Is a legend in Texas football folklore, you are being compared to him, how do you feel about that?

HH: Well..my grandpa died when he was 80 so I really don't see a comparison.

SC: How did your grandfather get the nick The Wiz, was it his running style?

HH: Naw...He was playing El Paso in the State Championship Game.  It was late in the fourth quarter and he had to take a leak, time was running out so he just walked over to the opposing goalpost and let it rip. He got a standing ovation and a 15 yard penalty.

SC: How did your offense become known as “butter”?

HH: We invented the spread offense, we are the only team, high school or college that runs it the way it is most efficient.  All of us will be in the NFL; the fans nicknamed our offense “the expensive spread.”

SC: What offense do you use in the red zone, or down inside the ten yard line?

HH: We aren’t on offense down inside the twenty yard line unless one of my shoes fell off. We would still be lined up in the ”Butter“ even at the one on either end of the field.

SC: So you guys are always optimistic that you will score?

HH: Optimists HOPE the best thing is going to happen, we MAKE the best thing happen.

SC: Jim Thorpe High School was accused of being arrogant for naming their athletic teams The Champions, talk about that.

HH: Well it’s just jealousy really. I mean all the Tigers, Bulldogs and Eagles around are just upset because they didn’t think of it first.

SC: So when other schools play We Are The Champions?

HH: They Are The Liars.

SC:  Do you follow the ESPN top ten high school teams?

HH: I just watch film on the team we are getting ready to play, and a couple hours of one of my high light reels, to see if there is something I can improve on.

SC: How do you feel about Jacory Harris from Miami Northwestern?

HH: Anyone that beat South Lake got a Christmas card from me.

SC: Jacory may be the next great quarterback at Miami, are there things you like about Miami?

HH: Miami is cool, I like that duck and The Rock, Go Cyclones!

SC: They are The Hurricanes.

HH: Whatever...

SC: What about Miami’s offense?

HH: Yea What about it?

SC: If you were there what would you do different?

HH: I’d score more points than the team we were playing.

SC: Have you been contacted by The University of Miami about visiting?

HH: If they are a school with a football team I have been contacted.

SC: Is it true you will be the first player to have “THE” over the number one on your uniform in college?

HH: I might,the Heisman people are asking me to do it. They want me to be the first unanimous winner.

SC: What about the Heisman Award, will you win it?

HH: I’m pretty sure I will win it. If they give it to me is a different thing though.

SC: What are your thoughts on Tebow?

HH: I guess if you can’t be there to watch your favorite programs it would come in handy.

SC: From your Grandfather, to your dad, and now you, the Hogshead name IS football in Texas, how good is your little brother Howard?

HH:  Howie is about ten times better than I was at his age.  I doubt he will play college ball. I think he just finishes high school, makes a couple movies then goes into the NFL.

SC: What do you think about all the steroid use in sports?

HH: I don’t think about it. When you start thinking about cheating your half way there. If you have to cheat your in over your head at what you are pretending to be, I don’t pretend.

SC:  Who are some of your heroes, who is the greatest to have ever put on a helmet and pads?

HH: I would say Travis Pastrana or maybe Tony Hawk.

SC: That’s an X-Game biker and a skateboarder, isn’t it?

HH: They got helmets and pads don’t they?

SC: Do you read the football blogs?

HH: I get a grin out of most of it.

SC: How accurate do you think most of the information is on sports blogs?

HH: No offense but you write on a blog don’t you?

SC: Oh yeah…I see your point.

SC: What about the pay sites that offer “inside” information about recruits?

HH: Those sites serve three purposes.  One, They give fans a place to visit and obtain opinions or best guesses by other fans that know just about the same thing they do.  Two, They give kids a chance to lead adults around by the nose and make the adults look like little girls chasing after rock stars.  Three, they give site owners a chance to make some cash, and inflate their egos by thinking a high school kid is going to care about them after signing day.

SC: So you feel the number of stars has nothing to do with a player’s real ability?

HH: If that were true they would have like a complete solar system posted next to my picture wouldn’t they?

SC: Henry are you the best player in the country right now?

HH: I’m the best player I can possibly be when ever I step on the field.  I owe that to my parents, coaches and team mates. I won’t allow myself to give less than I am able. When every other kid ommits to doing that I will be just an average player, but that isn’t going to happen.

SC: Why do you feel that way?

HH: Parent’s today don’t make their children obtain their maximum potential.  American sports will be a bunch of fat kids playing Madden on ESPN in another ten years. Actually playing a sport will be too much effort for most kids.

SC: OK Henry it’s been great talking to you and we all wish you the best next season!

HH: OK Mr. Solarcane I got to go sign a few boxes of jerseys I’ll catch you later…Go Tornados!

SC: Hurricanes.

HH: Whatever...

This concludes part one of Sitting down with Henry Hogshead.  This interview is unedited and is posted word for word.

Comments

[solarcane]

bam

[AvaCane96]

PJ is on the UM train! no doubts!

[Chronic M. H.]

2nd

[AvaCane96]

o and, second! (closest ive ever been)

[rubcatcane]

LOL, HH for President!!! Sure HH didn't meet Bailey yet? Now that would be interesting. Like the collisions of two worlds...

[86Cane]

M.H....you should just use "Chronic" now. I like it even better! Thanks for defending the 'Space over at TOS. Sorry I called you out like that.

[solarcane]

chronic mh, lmao!
peace

[orange 'n green in the vein]

HOGSHEAD FEARS BAILEY!

[solarcane]

rubacat,
It's hard to be humble when you have "a whole solar system" of stars next to your picture I guess.
peace

[solarcane]

wad up OG? you haven't been round much Happy Holidays
peace

[solarcane]

chronic,
I like the part where you chose your fate... it was like right out of Braveheart!
peace

[roachcane77]

Nice work Solar... Henry seemed rather unimpressed with your credentials, however.

By the way... isn't DC candidate Dan McCarney from USF rather "long-in-the-tooth?" (He's as old as me for goodness sake!)

Anyone have any opinions on this candidate?

[86Cane]

Solar...nice work with the interview. Wish we knew when and where he was gonna commit?

[MidWestCane]

Give props to Solar for this site - it is the bomb buddy.

http://www.coacheshotseat.com/Top50AssistantCoaches.htm

[rubcatcane]

Solar, you are right... humility will only get in the way of this interview...LOL

LMAO BTW

Can't wait for part two.

[solarcane]

roach thanks!

86 He told me you will get the press release before anyone else does.
It's gonna be soon, real soon i think
peace

rub, part two will be comin after the New year thanks!

peace

[solarcane]

midwest,
lots of stuff on that site huh?
peace

[solarcane]

I see Ja`Tavious Miller Pahokee LB is visiting Jan 24, what is that about twenty linebackers now?

peace

[Cavaleer]

Silar, great interview.

I think that is about 20 LBs by now.

Hey, I told you RS was making room. We'll have about 36 or 37 'ships before it's all said and done. lol

[norm]

Anybody watching the BC and Michigan St. game? The commentators seem to want Michigan to win game. Go BC, make the ACC proud!!

[MinnesotaCane4Life]

I'm not trying to hate on Randy as a coach, but he did say this year he wanted to lower the penalties we used to get in the games by making the players play with more discipline. Does anyone know if we had less penalties this year and less penalty yardage than last year? I just was wondering. I still like Randy as our head coach, but was curious if that is something he still needs to work on for next year.

[solarcane]

cav, This is an amazing class, everyday we squeeze out one more ship

Randy must have given Kirby gas money to haul five or ten more seniors with him
peace

[solarcane]

norm, yea if Ryan gets hot its gonna be lights out for the Sparkies
peace

[pb]

Solar, Solar,Solar...

[SuperCooper]

PJ in case anyone missed it on the other thread, pretty cool:

http://www.cstv.com/video/?vid=5998

[SuperCooper]

We might have ourselves a DC:

"Sporting News has learned Miami has talked to Dan McCarney about its vacant defensive coordinator position.

Miami head coach Randy Shannon is looking for a defensive coordinator after letting Tim Walton go.

The Hurricanes went 5-7 and missed the postseason for the first time in 10 years in 2007, Shannon's first year on the job. The Miami defense ranked 30th nationally and allowed over 300 points (312) in a season for the first time since 1984.

McCarney served as assistant head coach and defensive line coach at South Florida last season, helping the Bulls go 9-3 and advance to the Sun Bowl against Oregon.

Prior to joining USF, McCarney was head coach of Iowa State for 12 seasons, going 56-85 and taking the Cyclones to five bowl games. Iowa State was the Big 12 North's co-champion in 2004, when McCarney also won league coach of the year honors.

Before taking over Iowa State in 1995, McCarney was defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 1990-94. His defense was the backbone of the Badger program's rise under former head coach Barry Alvarez"

[AvaCane96]

^^^ reason y PJ is a Cane

[SuperCooper]

Supposedly the man is a really good coach. Plus he brings expierence to a young staff. Hopefully this gets done. My only question is now, can he recruit

[orange 'n green in the vein]

YES! McCarney is awesome. What he was able to do out in Ames was remarkable considering the situation. If the big, mad EO isn't in the cards and McCarney is interested I could live with that. USF will trounce the pac 10 in the bowl, watch.

[ObviousCane]

The Miami Hurricanes interviewed South Florida assistant head coach and defensive line coach Dan McCarney for its vacated defensive coordinator position. Head coach Randy Shannon recently fired Tim Walton from that position.

The 'Cane defense was ranked 30th in the nation, allowing 312 points this season which contributed to the team's poor 5-7 record.

McCarney is no stranger to the position, as he was defensive coordinator for Wisconsin from 1990-94 and was Iowa State's head coach for twelve seasons, leading the Cyclones to a Big XII North co-championship in 2004. This year South Florida is ranked 19th in rush defense but allowed only seven rushing touchdowns this season, which ties the team for second nationally in that specific category.

Commentary: Hard to tell if McCarney would be interested in jumping ship to Coral Gables. The pay and prestige most certainly would be there, but the pressure would be enormous. If accepted, this would definitely be a good hire for Randy Shannon.

[ObviousCane]

Tampa Tribune reporter Brett McMurphy reports that McCarney interviewed for the head coaching position at Northern Illinois this week.

McCarney has spent the past year as an associate head coach and defensive line coach for South Florida.

A team that finished tied for third in the Big East and is headed to the Sun Bowl.

KCCI attempted to contact McCarney, but he was unavailable for comment Thursday night because he was with Bulls defensive lineman George Selvie at the College Football Awards show in Orlando.

Northern Illinois is looking for someone to replace longtime head coach Joe Novak.

[ObviousCane]

^^^^^^^^^^^^Sorry that was a week or so old....

[CanesgirlNC]

Solar - LOL that was funny. But what I want to know is, does Henry Hogshead look anything like Chris Caffrey? ;-D

[roachcane77]

NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND...

Here's another update... from TBO.com

McCarney disputes Sporting News report
Posted By Brett McMurphy at Dec 28, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Updated Dec 28, 2007 at 08:06 PM

EL PASO, Texas - University of South Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney disputed a Sporting News report that he had interviewed for the University of Miami defensive coordinator position.

“I have not interviewed with Miami and have not talked to [Miami coach] Randy Shannon,” McCarney said Friday. “I’m just trying to get our defensive line ready for the Sun Bowl.”

Tom Dienhart, of the Sporting News, reported Friday Miami talked to McCarney about its vacant defensive coordinator position. Shannon is looking for a defensive coordinator after firing Tim Walton.

Earlier this month, McCarney was among two finalists for the Northern Illinois job. McCarney withdrew from consideration and NIU hired Southern Illinois coach Jerry Kill.

[86Cane]

Minne...The Canes had fewer penalties for fewer yards in 2007 over 2006, but in one less game. I saw that when I was writing the Lies, Damn Lies and Stats article.

You can find the stats on the ACC page.

[Norm]

ACC is 1-0 in bowl games so far. About McCarney, I think it will be a good move. I saw the guy coach the Cyclones, and he is very energetic a hands on kind of guy. Having a head coach a experience it's a plus. Randy will not have to worry much about the defense because of him.

[MinnesotaCane4Life]

Thanks 86

[roachcane77]

I really don't see anything happening with the DC until after Bowl season is over. No real rush at this point...

[solarcane]

CGNC, thanks
I'll have to check out your friend Chris.
If he's a guitarist I'm assuming he has the iconic long hair and serious squinting eyes gunfighter look?.... I know, chics dig it !lol!
peace

[ObviousCane]

From Shandels Blog,

-Speaking of defensive coordinator, I'm told no one has been interviewed. I know lots of big names are being thrown out there. Call me crazy, but I could see Shannon bringing in or hiring someone on staff with little experience. This could give Shannon opportunity to have more control over the defense. It just seems like he wants to play a bigger role this season.

[solarcane]

I'm watching the Oregon Beavers, I've seen the Oregon Ducks.
Looking over both uniforms I've come to the conclusion it's Halloween every day in Oregon.

peace

[Norm]

ObviousCane, I think Shannon actually wants to expend less time with the defense, and concentrate more on the HC decisions. He has been really open about it. I'll be really surprise if he hires someone from within the program, or with little experiences. I will really question is decision making if he makes that move.

[ObviousCane]

Who's Brave And Who's Not?
Percentage of non-conference games versus BCS opponents
Conference Percentage
ACC 44
Pac-10 42
Big East 38
Big Ten 30
SEC 29
Big 12 23

[AngryCane]

OK Dudes... Seriously...

How many more years can they play that Emerald Nutz Bowl in a freakin baseball park??

I mean it won't be long until a player plows into the outfield wall in the back of an endzone, or a FULL ON BRAWL breaks-out because both teams are on the same sideline... THAT WOULD be a site to see!!

[MinnesotaCane4Life]

Let's go Maryland, GO ACC FOOTBALL. Let's go undefeated! To help our conference ranking next year.

[CanesgirlNC]

Solar - LOL! Yea I was watching the Oregon game too a little - not really a fashion statement kind of state! There is a link to Chris Caffrey on my page now....

[solarcane]

CGNC,
OK I saw him, he's John Elway with Bon Jovi hair right?
peace

[speedwrecks]

"I'll be really surprise if [Shannon] hires someone from within the program, or with little experiences."

Surprise! Why?

Norm, has Shannon shown the propensity to do otherwise?

[Cavaleer]

Norm, I agree about Shannon's next hire. Sometimes I think Shandel really shows how new he is to this beat. The last thing Shannon wants to do is baby-sit the next DC. That was the problem with Walton.

The USF guy has those boys, especially the DL, playing some serious defense. They looked more Miami-like than Miami this year.

Of course, he's a coach so he would have to deny everything. lol

It would be a great move for him. After a NC or two he'd be ready for a top-tier program HC gig. He or Strong should hop on it. Strong especially. He needs to vacate that place and make a name for himself, esp. since it was his defense that won that NC, not Oscar Meyer's offense. We saw the difference this year.

[MidWestCane]

"^^^ reason y PJ is a Cane"

Posted by: AvaCane96 | December 28, 2007 at 07:47 PM

AvaCane96,

I have read many of your posts and it seems like you are a PJ supporter and fan. In my opinion that is good because I here he is a good kid. He is a good kid with hard choices ahead of him. The choice of staying true to Himself is being tested by grown men. It is a Mans world. It is good that some relizes that he needs support.

Here is something you may find interesting:

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2007/09/video-of-um-com.html