However, Schmidt has decide to opt for GUINNESS PRO12 star Henderson for tomorrow's Pool D match against Canada at the Millennium Stadium.
Schmidt said: "We have got to know him well in the last two Six Nations. He was involved in the tackle that managed to hold up the French two years ago and he had involvements in the last Six Nations, but for us he's a force of nature that we're pretty well aligned with what his abilities are.
"Paul described him as laidback bordering on horizontal and I think that is him.
"We want to make sure he's really well prepared to drive himself forward.
"He's learning a bit of that and he balances his day really well.
"He is truly switched on for sessions and he does switch himself off after."
Henderson played a key part in Ulster's GUINNESS PRO12 2014/15 campaign as they lost to eventual champions Glasgow Warriors in the play-off semi-finals.
Schmidt recalled one of the 23-year-old's standout moments from the GUINNESS PRO12 season yesterday, as he highlighted his successful sprint chase with Ireland team-mate Keith Earls in the match against Munster in May.
"There have been a number of things that have surprised us about Iain Henderson," Schmidt added.
"One of them is his speed. Keith Earls is genuinely quick and the race for that ball [against Munster] - it was probably 40 metres. One of the things that impressed us was how he saw it as it started to unfold and managed to get himself into a position to compete for that ball."
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Guinness PRO12 Ulster News
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