LaDarius Henderson was not bashful.

“I really don’t like Utah,” Henderson told reporters on Tuesday, per DevilsDigest. “You guys know why. My teammates know that about me. It’s not my cup of tea.”

The Arizona State offensive lineman will tell you what he thinks. It’s admirable. He says he’s still got a chip on his shoulder from the way his first meeting with the Utes turned out.

In 2019, when Henderson was a true freshman playing left tackle, he had a nightmare experience when the Sun Devils traveled to Rice-Eccles Stadium. In 46 snaps, he earned a 0.0 grade from Pro Football Focus as a pass-blocker. He was responsible for eight pressures allowed, two of them sacks.

Utah defensive end Bradlee Anae ate his lunch that day. The senior recorded three sacks and earned Pac-12 Defensive Player and Lineman of the Week for his effort in the 21-3 Utah win. Anae was facing a 17-year-old Henderson that day. In a number of ways, the Arizona State offensive lineman was set up to fail.

The Sun Devils host Utah on Saturday in what will be their first game without coach Herm Edwards on the sideline. ASU parted ways with the head coach on Sunday, a day after a 30-21 loss to Eastern Michigan.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said on Monday the team knows they can’t overlook Arizona State, a team they expect to have some energy and something to prove.

Henderson certainly does. And though he’s got some poor experiences associated with the Utes, he’s got great respect for the program Whittingham has built.

“They’re physical, we’re definitely physical. They’re a disciplined team. I feel like that’s a lot of what makes them great,” Henderson continued. “They are a really good team. I’m not gonna sit up here and tell you they’re not because they are. I have a lot of respect for that coach and what he does for his players and the way they play the game. It’s a lot of fun playing guys like that.”

Kickoff between the 13th-ranked Utes (2-1) and Sun Devils (1-2) is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.