Interview: 2019 Arkansas TE Hudson Henry is Stepping Out of Big Shadows Grabbing His Own Spotlight

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If sibling rivalries among boys provides anything it is the will to compete and how to survive adversity. The competition at an early age amongst boys can be for something as silly as use of a toy, attention from others, or just the desire to pounce on the other brothers to assert dominance within the pack however wise or unwise. All the competition within the family at an early age can pay dividends down the road in sports, and life in general. The repetition of competing, winning and losing, and striving to get better is in a nutshell what sports is about, especially football. Within the Henry household there are some big football shadows cast upon the walls but younger brother Hudson Henry is emerging setting a path forward on his own merits.

Any athlete on any high school team faces drastic odds becoming a Division-I player. On face value alone, Hudson has an even harder uphill climb following in the footsteps of two brothers that have, or will, matriculate to the University of Arkansas. Older brother Hunter (6-5, 250) was a USA Today All-American during his senior year at Pulaski Academy (Little Rock) before becoming a freshman All-American with the Razorbacks in 2013. Hunter’s career at Arkansas included being a three-time All-SEC performer and a census All-American during his junior campaign winning the Mackey Award for the best tight end in the nation, his final season in Fayetteville. If that wasn’t enough, Hudson’s other brother Hayden (6-2, 215) was a Class of 2017 linebacker signee with the Hogs after tallying 93 tackles and picking off four passes during his senior season with PA.

Now all the poundings administered by the older Henry boys to younger brother Hudson are coming to fruition on the gridiron for the next family member to carry the torch. Hudson wrapped up a fantastic sophomore season with the Bruins pulling down 28 passes covering 311 yards with three scores playing receiver. Hudson is tagged as a college tight end, and would play end for the Bruins if that position existed on the team. PA runs a spread offense truly stretching out opposing defenses play after play with a dynamic passing attack. The result at the end of the 2016 schedule was a 13-1 record that included a third consecutive Arkansas 5A state title. The lone loss came on the road at the hands of Utah state title winner East High School (37-23).

Hudson’s projection forward follows along the line of his older brothers. So far the 6-5, 230 pound, talent has received three offers coming from Ole Miss, Stanford, and, to no surprise, Arkansas. A deeper look at Hudson shows discipline in his route running, great open field speed, athletic abilities to go up for 50/50 balls, and great hands. The offer list should grow with teams like Ohio State, Duke, and Penn State showing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for a one-on-one conversation with Hudson covering his sophomore season, spring workouts, recruitment, and the comradery amongst the Henry brothers.

Interview

Hudson, you had a prominent role within the offense during the 2016 season, did you expect to have that type of impact going into the year?

“I didn’t really. I wanted to play my part and do whatever I could to help the team win another state championship. I had confidence in myself but did not want to be too cocky thinking I would start as sophomore. I worked my butt off to do what I could to help us win a third state championship.”

You played on the outside a lot in PA’s spread offense, do you see yourself more as a wide receiver or as a tight end?

“At PA, we really do not have a tight end position. In college, I will play tight end. I think it is good that I play in a spread offense. It helps my receiving skills, route running, and my pass catching. I don’t think it will affect me getting down on the line to block. My brother (Hunter) did it and I know I can too. I have the size and ability to do it as well.”

How did you step your game up throughout the 2016 season?

“Leading up to high school, I did the best I could out on the field. Coach (Kevin) Kelley (head coach) and Coach (Anthony) Lucas (receivers coach) mentored me and helped me to become a better player. I tried to learn from them because they are the best. I listened and paid attention to them. I also listened to the upperclassmen. I listened to my dad about the game and learned from him. I stepped up realizing how important football is and being the best player I could be would help my team win.”

Was there a team or personal matchup last season that really tested you and forced you to get better?

“Yes. One of our first games was against East High School (Salt Lake City). They are one of the biggest teams PA has ever faced. That was a big challenge for me. That was the first time for me traveling to another state playing a team that is really successful. It was important because I realized how important it is to keep stepping up your game. They had a really good defense and offense. We got out played, but we learned from that experience and we got better. That game was a turning point for both me and for the team. It helped me get tougher. The rest of the games felt easier for us. East was so good. After playing the best you are not as stressed out or anxious to play the next game.”

What are you working on this spring?

“I’m working on getting bigger and stronger, and I am working on toughness. I want to be the toughest person out there. In football, you have to be tough. I want to be the most physically and mentally prepared person out there no matter what. I want to be a leader for the team.”

How are spring practices going for you?

“We started last Monday. Things are going well. We are scrimmaging. We are getting the feel for the game back in pads setting up for team and summer camps. We are looking really good as a team. I can’t wait for what is in store for us. Hopefully we win another state championship if we keep working hard.”

Which schools have come by PA to see you in action this spring?

“Yale, Arkansas Tech, Missouri State, and on Friday Iowa State came by. They offered one of our tackles Luke Jones. I think there are some more coaches coming over the next couple of weeks.”

Which schools might send coaches out to watch the team practice?

“Some of the expected teams to come include Penn State and Arkansas. I can’t text any of them, but from what I know I think Ohio State and Stanford are coming. That is all I know about. There are more but that is all I know from Coach Kelley.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 285 and my squat was 375.”

Have you attended any camps this spring?

“No, sir.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“I have talked to Penn State and Duke. Those are the only coaches I have called. There could be more but I am not worried about that right now.”

How many offers do you have?

“Three.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“No, sir. I plan to go to all the schools that have offered me. I plan to go to all of them sometime this summer.”

Do you plan on attending any college camps this summer?

“I don’t know yet. Right now I’m just trying to focus on spring practice to become a better football player. I will let it work itself out. I don’t know. I may or may not. We could have a 7v7 event or a team camp scheduled during those times. I never know when I will be able to go to a camp.”

You’ve been witness to two recruiting processes in your home. What was that like watching your brothers go through everything?

“I was in the fifth and sixth grade when Hunter was going through everything. We traveled around and saw all the great schools. I got to see all the colleges. I thought it was pretty awesome. It was really cool to visit all those schools. It is great having two brothers go through the process. We know what will happen next in the recruiting process. It is nice to know that there are people in your family that have gone through it. It is nice to be mentored by them. Hayden is leaving for Fayetteville soon and Hunter is in San Diego, but I can call them at any time. It is really awesome to have both of them helping me.”

I have to ask, when all three of you are together do you guys still roughhouse?

“Oh yes. All the time. It is always a battle for the best no matter if we are playing ping-pong, Madden, or 2K. It is always a battle. We still wrestle. I will tackle one of my brothers and it is on. It is fun.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“I had a 3.96 GPA last semester. I should have a 4.1 now.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“I am more of an English and history guy. I like all the arts. That is who I am, I am a creative guy.”

Is there a player at the collegiate or NFL level that you watch to learn more about the game?

“It might be kind of cheesey but I watch my brother. I also watch Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots) and Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs). Gonzalez is retired now but he was a fantastic. I watch Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers). He plays with my brother. He is a great guy and player. All those guys are great players. I love how they play with intensity and passion. I want to mimic my game after them.”

Hudson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Sheldon Smith; No. 84 Hudson Henry pulls down a touchdown pass.