By Andy Walter

NEWARK — After Delaware fired head football coach Danny Rocco on Monday, one of the next big questions was how many of his players would leave, too.

And one of the biggest names on the list of players was quarterback Nolan Henderson.

This afternoon, the former Smyrna High standout announced on Twitter that he is putting his name in the NCAA transfer portal. But Henderson  also said that doesn't definitely mean he's leaving Newark.

Like with any other player in the portal, entering it doesn’t mean that the player has to transfer. But he can now start receiving offers from other schools.

“In light of my current situation and the current unknowns, I believe it is in my best interest to explore all of the options and enter the transfer portal,” Henderson wrote. "The University of Delaware remains one of these options. I am excited for what the future hold and, as always, I will bet on myself."

Henderson joins Delaware linebacker Colby Reeder, who entered the portal on Monday and already has several offers.

Listed as a graduate transfer, Henderson earned first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors in the  abbreviated spring season when the Blue Hens went 7-1 and reached the NCAA Division I semifinals. But he missed the final seven games of the fall season after undergoing abdominal surgery. 

His return to Delaware next fall was seen as one of the biggest reasons for optimism before Rocco was dismissed after five seasons. Rocco said he thought there was a good case for Henderson obtaining an NCAA medical waiver and still having two more seasons of eligibility - something Henderson is also listing in his post.

Over the course of four seasons, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Henderson has played in 24 games for Delaware.  He has thrown for 24 touchdowns with only five interceptions  and an average of 133 yards per game.

Henderson is also known for his running ability, rushing for 269 net yards and four more TDs.

In his Twitter post, Henderson thanked Delaware for his experience.

"I have met teammates, friends and faculty who will always have a role in my life,"  Henderson wrote. "I am especially thankful for Coach Rocco and Coach (Jared) Ambrose for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love and for helping grow as a man throughout these four years."

Ambrose is Delaware's offensive coordinator.

According to Reeder's Twitter page, he has received offers from James Madison, Sam Houston State - where former UD coach K.C. Keeler is the coach -  Ball State, Youngstown State, Rhode Island  and Old Dominion.