LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — One of the University of Arkansas’s most talented recent alumni is performing in his first Super Bowl this Sunday.
Former Arkansas All-American tight end Hunter Henry is making his long-awaited Super Bowl debut with the New England Patriots.
Henry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 35th overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers (previously San Diego).
The former 2015 Mackey Award Winner, given to the nation’s best tight end, has put together a career season.
Henry has 60 catches, tied for second best in his career, to go with a career-best 768 receiving yards. Henry has seven touchdowns on the year, the third most in a season in his career.
For the second-straight year, Henry has been fully healthy. Henry has started 33 straight games without an injury.
Henry has seen a lot of change with the Patriots. Henry was part of the team when future Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick and the organization chose to mutually part ways.
The Patriots did not have much success in the post-Tom Brady era, even under Belichick. Henry was part of a struggling New England team that didn’t seem to have clear guidance after Belichick left.
Now under the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel, Henry and the Patriots have made it to the pinnacle of pro football.
Expect the Arkansas tight end to be heavily featured in the offense in the Big Game, just as he was all season long.
Former Arkansas defensive lineman Eric Gregory could also see snaps for the Patriots defensively.