For Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, preseason opener versus Seattle is just a start

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Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley is looking forward to the Chargers’ first preseason game Saturday at home against the Seahawks. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Chargers have listed Los Angeles native Daiyan Henley as the starting left inside linebacker on the team’s first posted depth chart of the Jim Harbaugh era but, despite the hype surrounding his progress, his psyche is unmoved.

“Reaching the NFL, that was the dream,” Henley said. “But now, it’s what’s next, and I haven’t gotten to what’s next as there is so much work to be done.”

Running alongside veteran Denzel Perryman with the first-team defense, the 2023 third-round draft pick continues to impress and aims to build trust with his coaches and teammates.

Henley’s speed and ability to cover ground have earned praise from coaches and teammates. All-Pro Derwin James noted that Henley plays like a safety at linebacker.

Henley has shown high energy on the field, where his patience sometimes has to outweigh his drive to be physical, especially in coverage.

Read more: Jim Harbaugh addresses Michigan scandal: ‘I do not apologize, I did not participate’

“My first day with pads, I felt like I still had something to prove,” Henley said.

He credits his development to former All-Pro NaVorro Bowman, a San Francisco 49ers legend whose game Henley seeks to emulate.

“We get to see him do the things that we want to do,” Henley said about watching Bowman’s film. “That’s the best thing about having Coach Bo.”

Henley restrains his eagerness for physical contact, for instance when he lines up across from tight end Stone Smartt during “non-contact” team drills. That makes him eager to unleash his physical style in the first preseason game Saturday at home against the Seattle Seahawks.

“I am looking forward to the Seahawks tight end,” Henley said. “There ain’t no leash; let me off.”

Read more: With Justin Herbert’s return date up in the air, Chargers add another quarterback

The Chargers…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-linebacker-daiyan-henley-preseason-042000625.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-08-08 04:20:00

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