Cason Henry, the offensive lineman for South Carolina, recently sat down for a one-on-one interview on The Gamecock Club Hour on 107.5 The Game, where he discussed his experiences with the team. Here are the key takeaways from that conversation:
Daily Routine and Preparation
Cason shared insight into the early mornings and rigorous training that come with being an offensive lineman. “We lift together with the linebackers, so we’re the ‘mids and bigs’ group,” he explained. He wakes up around 6:15 a.m. to start his day. Nutrition plays a significant role, and after breakfast with Yimy Rodriguez and the nutrition staff, he heads into strength training. “If you’re lifting all these weights but not eating right, nothing good will happen,” he added. Following the lifting session, Cason and the offensive line meet with Graduate Assistants (GAs) to go over fundamentals, and as the season approaches, they will begin Football Fridays, a new initiative aimed at improving chemistry and building a stronger unit.
New Additions to the Team
Cason expressed his confidence in the incoming players. He spoke highly of Nick, Boaz, and RJ, all of whom he believes will strengthen the offensive line. “Lonnie [Teasley] brings in great guys and is very selective,” he noted. While they haven’t yet had a full practice, he’s impressed by the newcomers’ character and work ethic. Cason emphasized the importance of upholding the team’s standard, especially after the previous season’s success.
Building on Last Season’s Momentum
Reflecting on last season, Cason believes the offensive line made significant strides, even if the final outcome wasn’t exactly what they had hoped. “We know we are near where we want to be, and it’s actually attainable,” he said. The goal is clear: to become the most physical and toughest offensive line in the nation. He believes that maintaining momentum from the previous year, coupled with continued dedication, will help them achieve this.
Playing Under Lonnie Teasley
Cason also praised his position coach, Lonnie Teasley, for his unique perspective. “He understands what we go through every day because he was an offensive lineman his entire life,” Cason explained. Teasley’s deep understanding of the position and his down-to-earth approach has earned him the respect and trust of his players. Cason also credited Teasley with creating a family-like environment among the offensive linemen, something that sets the team apart from other schools.
The Impact of Nutrition and Strength Staff
Cason highlighted the critical role nutrition and strength staff, especially Yimy, play in the team’s success. “He’s completely changed our program,” Cason said, noting that proper nutrition and training have helped the team avoid injuries and maintain endurance during close games. Cason personally follows a strict nutrition plan, consuming 315 grams of protein per day as he works to gain weight. He also praised Yimy for introducing an app that allows players to track their meals, ensuring they stay on target with their nutrition goals.
Strength Staff’s Role
In terms of strength training, Cason spoke highly of Luke Day and Chip Morton. “Luke is a man of God,” he said, noting his intensity and consistency. Chip Morton, a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience, is someone Cason frequently seeks advice from. Together, the strength staff continuously adjusts their approach based on the team’s needs, with winter focusing on mass-building and summer preparing the players for game shape.
Playing in a Pro-Style System
Cason also touched on the benefits of playing in a pro-style system. “It’s helped me increase my football IQ,” he said, stressing the importance of studying the game, watching film, and understanding the “why” behind plays. He commended Lonnie Teasley for his emphasis on learning defenses and understanding the fundamentals of the game before diving into offensive schemes.
Blocking for LaNorris Sellers
Cason spoke with enthusiasm about his quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, acknowledging his impressive ability to avoid sacks and make plays. “The sacks that he has broken do not go unappreciated,” Cason said. He’s excited for what Sellers can accomplish this season and is eager to continue blocking for him.
The Addition of Shawn Elliott
With the addition of Shawn Elliott as the run game coordinator, Cason has welcomed the energy and intensity Elliott brings to the team. “He’s the same guy every day and incredibly intense,” Cason said. While Cason typically works with Coach Teasley on offensive line matters, he appreciates the opportunity to get tips and pointers from Elliott as well, further refining his technique.
Offseason Goals
Looking ahead to the offseason, Cason has set clear goals to improve his technique. “I’m going to harp on hand placement,” he noted, acknowledging that it’s an area where he could improve. Cason also plans to work on footwork, quickness, and first-step timing to ensure he’s as prepared as possible for the upcoming season.
In summary, Cason Henry is committed to continuing his growth both as an individual and as a key member of the South Carolina offensive line. With a strong focus on technique, nutrition, and maintaining the momentum from last season, Cason is ready to help elevate the Gamecocks to new heights.
