Texas Football: Interview with Texas All-District Quarterback Brayson McHenry
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Texas High School, located in Texarkana, had an amazing season in 2020 as the Tigers started 11-0 but fell in the second round of the 5A Division 2 State Playoffs to Crosby (62-42). The driving force behind their success this season was the play of their star quarterback Brayson McHenry.
The junior signal-caller threw 2,940 yards and 36 touchdowns while completing 69 percent of his passes. After the season, McHenry was named first team All-District. The 6’1″, 190-pound, passer has a strong and accurate arm to make all kinds of throws while also possessing good footwork, athleticism, and field vision to extend plays when he faces pressure.
This Class of 2022 recruit is working hard to earn his first college offer while also receiving interest from several schools including Tulsa and New Mexico.
McHenry not only shines on the gridiron but also runs track and has a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Brayson to talk about his stellar junior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Brayson, how would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
I would give myself a pretty good grade. But after evaluating my games from this past year, there are definitely some things I can improve on.
Which would you say was your best game and why?
I would say my best game of the year was against Crosby or Whitehouse. I made some great throws and made some really nice plays with my legs in those games.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I’m a great leader who can put the team on my back. I’m very accurate and I can extend the play with my legs. In my opinion, I can read a defense better than anybody.
What kind of offense does Texarkana run?
We are a pretty balanced offense. We like to sling it around but we also have a great run game. In our offense, we run everything.
How do your skills fit into this offense?
My ability to read the defense fits our scheme perfectly.
What is one area of your game that you saw improvement in over the course of the season?
My pocket movement and patience for things to come open definitely got better as the season went on.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in the 2020 season?
The biggest challenge I faced was keeping my shoulder and body in shape all season.
How did you overcome this challenge?
I overcame this challenge by doing an arm care program, working out on certain days, stretching, eating right, and taking ice baths.
Would you consider yourself a pro-style or dual-threat quarterback?
I would say I’m a pro-style QB with dual-threat ability. I’m a passer first but when I need to run, I can pull it down and pick up a big chunk of yards.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I would say I model my game after Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rogers.
What do you like most about playing at Texarkana High School?
The thing I love most about playing at Texas High is how we dominate and have fun doing it. We are all very close, which in turn yields trust which allows us to just go out there and have fun on the field.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I also run track.
Who is your biggest role model?
My biggest role models would be my parents and Baker Mayfield. My parents work hard for my family every day and set great examples of how to live my life. Baker was always underrated and he just put his head down and worked for what he wanted and proved everyone wrong. He’s a great example of having confidence in yourself.
Are there any schools showing interest in you?
So far Tulsa, Colorado State, Rice, Columbia, New Mexico, and a few others have shown interest.
What is your GPA?
I have a 4.0 GPA.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Philippians 4:13.
What are your goals for the offseason?
My goals this offseason are to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I’m going to work on my throwing mechanics and also get better at the mental side of the game.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Texarkana Gazette; Brayson McHenry