North Texas head coach Todd Dodge rewarded a pair of seniors with scholarships on Sunday, including one local standout.

Todd Dodge

Isiah Smith, a Denton graduate, is entering his final season with the Mean Green and is expected to be a backup at safety. Running back Keronna Henderson also received a scholarship.

UNT had a few scholarships open up during fall practice after other players left the program.

Dodge used those open spots to rewards a pair of players who have served as backups for most of their careers in addition to seeing significant action on special teams.

Smith played in seven games, mostly on special teams, and received the Shawn Kramer Award that is given to the team’s most inspirational player each season in 2007.

Smith started his career as a wide receiver before changing positions this year.

Henderson’s role has changed with the arrival of Dodge and a new offensive system. The former Carthage standout is a 228-pound bruiser who was a fit for the fullback spot in former head coach Darrell Dickey’s run-based offense.

Henderson, who started four games at fullback in 2006, has moved to running back under Dodge.

—Brett Vito