Arkansas Razorbacks TE Hunter Henry Named to Mackey Award Watch List
Written by Ryan Wright
The Arkansas Razorbacks 2015 team has a make or break kind of year ahead. The Razorback defense dominated in 2014 finishing with the No. 10 ranked unit in the land and looks to be deeper heading into the new season. The offense made significant strides forward last season and returns one of the more experienced groups in the nation led in part by junior tight end Hunter Henry.
On Wednesday Henry was named to the preseason John Mackey Award watch list as one of the top tight ends in the nation cementing a spot among the best in college football.
Over the past two seasons Henry has been one of the leaders in the Arkansas passing attack pulling down 28 passes for 408 yards with four scores as a true freshman in 2013 and upped his output in 2014 coming down with 37 receptions for 513 yards with two scores.
Henry may not be as prolific of a pass catching threat as Florida International’s Jonnu Smith (61 receptions, 710 yards, 8 touchdowns) but the Razorbacks’ offense is not geared around Henry as FIU is with their junior tight end. Arkansas attempted to have a balanced offense last season under former offensive coordinator Jim Chaney but still relied heavily on the run. The Hogs averaged 188 yards per game in the air but pounded out an average of 218 yards per game on the ground, ranked 24th in the nation.
Off the tight ends respected for their pass catching and run blocking abilities, the SEC is loaded with All-American level talent. In addition to Henry, Alabama tight end O.J. Howard and Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram are considered among the best in the conference and in the nation.
The other tight ends to watch for in 2015 who could see fill in the stat sheet includes Wake Forest’s Cam Serigne (sophomore), Virginia Tech’s Ducky Hodges (sophomore), and Stanford’s Austin Hooper (sophomore).
The winner of the John Mackey Award will be selected by the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and announced on December 9. The award will be presented during “The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show” on ESPNU on December 10.
Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; No. 84 Hunter Henry.