Former Florida Gators WR Xzavier Henderson reveals transfer destination

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•05/26/23•

ZachAbolverdi

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s third and final outing transfer this spring, Xzavier Henderson, has found his next school. The former UF starting receiver revealed Friday that he has enrolled at Cincinnati.

Gators Online first reported on May 1 that the Bearcats had emerged as the favorite to land Henderson. The Miami native also took a visit to the hometown Hurricanes on April 25.

Henderson’s interest in Cincinnati has a lot to do with ex-Florida quarterback Emory Jones, who transferred there this year after playing for Arizona State last season.

Jones recruited him to Cincy and the opportunity to reunite with his former starting QB was appealing to Henderson, whose father, Chris Henderson Sr., played for the Bearcats.

Former Gators defensive back Jordan Young also transferred to Cincinnati and starts in the Bearcats secondary. Both Young and Jones teased Henderson coming on May 6.

Gators coach Billy Napier was asked for his reaction to Henderson’s departure prior to his speech in Sarasota, Florida.

“I don’t necessarily know that I’d be prepared to comment specifically on all that. It’s Xzavier’s decision.  I think that there’s a ton of things that contribute to these decisions,” Napier told On3’s Keith Niebhur. “I had no issue with Xzavier on our team. Got a ton of respect for him, his family and wish him nothing but the best. So, I’ve fielded a number of calls about Xzavier and nothing but positive things to say about him.”

Henderson became Florida’s third transfer this spring on April 22. Outside linebacker Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. committed to Virginia Tech, while offensive tackle David Conner committed to Colorado.

RELATED: How Xzavier Henderson’s exit affects the Florida WR room

Henderson with the Gators

After catching 26 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore, Henderson led the Gators last year in receptions with a career-high 38 catches for 410 yards and two touchdowns despite missing the last two regular season games.

Henderson was expected to be even more of a focal point in 2023. He had a three-touchdown performance in UF’s last scrimmage and was targeted eight times in the spring game — more than any other receiver — with three catches for 38 yards.

As a freshman in 2020, Henderson hauled in nine receptions for 148 yards and a score. He finished his Florida career with 73 catches for 835 yards and five touchdowns, making a total of 14 starts in 35 games played.

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