Interview: 2019 Arkansas 4-Star TE Hudson Henry in Mid-Season Form Entering Fall Camp

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There is nothing worse for the competition on the gridiron than facing a very talented team with a nasty chip on their shoulder. Despite winning Arkansas 5A state titles in 2014, ’15, and ’16, Pulaski Academy attacks each season and each game like they are the underdogs. The downtrodden outlook by the Bruins under head coach Kevin Kelley has kept the Bruins sharp and hungry on the field with tunnel vision towards another trophy. One of the many talented players on the Bruins squad ready to hoist another trophy at season’s end is Class of 2019 tight end/receiver Hudson Henry.

Henry was a rising star during the 2016 campaign aiding in the Bruins’ 13-1 finish. Along the way, Henry secured 28 passes for 311 yards with three scores. The 6-5, 230 pound, athlete is an anomaly within the football world, lining up at receiver in the Bruins Spread attack. Projected as a next level tight end, Henry was able to use his big body, deceptive speed, and elite hands on the outside working his way into four-star recruiting status.

Next level recruitment of Henry is truly just beginning. To date, four schools have offered; Arkansas, Ole Miss, Stanford, and Penn State. Teams showing interest in Henry includes Ohio State, Yale, and Iowa State. With another standout season on the field, the list of offers and interest is expected to grow quickly. But, the football bloodlines within the Henry family run deep with the Razorbacks perhaps keeping other Power Five Conferences away. Hudson’s oldest brother, Hunter, won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in 2015 while playing for the Hogs and his other older brother, Hayden, is quickly working his way up Arkansas’ depth-chart listed as a second-string linebacker.

Another standout season is expected for both Henry and the Bruins. Pulaski Academy enters the 2017 schedule ranked No. 2 in the state of Arkansas (MaxPreps). With tough out of state matchups against Page High School (Sand Springs, OK), Ridgeway (Memphis, TN), and Parkway (Bossier City, LA) to start the season, the Bruins will quickly find out just how great of a team they are on the field.

Ahead of a grueling non-conference schedule, I sat down with one of the top recruits in the 2019 class finding out how Henry’s off-season workouts turned out and got a preview of the Bruins’ 2017 team.

Interview

Hudson, how have your off-season workouts gone?

“Really good. We have been working hard. I think we are looking good as a team. We’ve been playing 7v7, running plays, and going through game situations already. Last week was our conditioning week. This week we will do team stuff working on specific aspects of the game.”

How has your skillset improved over the second season?

“Over the summer, I have learned a lot about situational football – increasing my football IQ. Going out and throwing for 10 to 15 minutes every day has helped me out with the small stuff. I’ve been doing a lot of condition and working on my speed. I’ve worked on improving all the way around to be the best that I can.”

Have you added any weight to your frame this summer?

“No. I want to stay light so I can move around easier and be quicker this season. Next season I will add 10 to 15 pounds.”

When does PA start fall camp?

“We started last week. At the beginning of the week we were in shorts and helmets. This week is the full week of pads and hitting.”

How is the team looking?

“Man, I think we are looking really good. The offense is looking good. We have a lot of great leaders on the team. We have really good linebackers, defensive backs, and defensive linemen. We are a well-rounded team. I think we will win the state championship again this year.”

Will you be used any differently within the Spread attack this year?

“I think more with my blocking. I will be that aggressive blocker on bubble and gator screens. They will use me that way this year. Our coaches will put me more inside next to the tackle on crack-back blocks and on shovel or trap passes in the middle.”

Are you excited to run the ball this year?

“Oh yeah. I was actually a tailback in fifth grade. That was fun.”

Have you picked up any new interest this summer?

“I have not had many schools reach out to me this summer. I think they can’t talk to me yet. I have not received any new interest this summer. I’m focusing on my main schools, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Stanford.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this summer?

“I went to Arkansas on July 19. I saw their facilities and met their coaches. I thought it was awesome. It was a great experience for me. I’ve been to their facilities several times and I have talked to their coaches before, but it was different being there for me this time.”

Do you have any planned visits for the fall?

“This spring (2018), I will visit other schools. It is hard to do during the fall. This spring I want to visit Penn State, Stanford, and Ole Miss. I will go to Arkansas this fall to cheer on my brother. He is doing really well in camp. I’m ready to see him take some people’s heads off this year.”

Looking at the 2017 season, is there a game on the schedule you are excited to play?

“We are playing Parkway (LA) on ESPN at home. I am excited about that one.”

What goals have you set for the 2017 season?

“First and foremost, to be the best team player I can be out there. I want to play my role and not be a selfish player. Whatever I can do to help my team win.”

Hudson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Henry family; Hudson Henry and family at Arkansas (July 2017).