Coach’s use of TE impresses Henry

Pulaski Academy graduate Hunter Henry turns upfield during first-half action against Jacksonville on November 1, 2012. Henry signed to play for the Razorbacks this fall.
Pulaski Academy graduate Hunter Henry turns upfield during first-half action against Jacksonville on November 1, 2012. Henry signed to play for the Razorbacks this fall.

— Pulaski Academy tight end Hunter Henry received a phone call from Bret Bielema shortly after the new Arkansas coach’s introductory news conference Wednesday in Fayetteville.

Henry, 6-5, 235 pounds, 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is orally committed to the Razorbacks and is rated as the No. 52 prospect in the nation by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network.

Henry said he was impressed after being told he was the first prospect Bielema called.

“He just told me he really wanted me to be a part of the program up there,” Henry said. “He told me I was the first that he had called at Arkansas, so I was definitely honored. That definitely shows me a lot about him and the way he’s going to recruit.

“He’s very personable and just a nice guy that you can kind of get along with, I can already tell.”

Henry finished his senior season with 107 receptions for 1,449 yards and 15 touchdowns and said he has researched how Bielema used his tight ends at Wisconsin. He said Bielema also told him how the Badgers’ success at the position has helped several players go to the NFL.

“I looked up most of his past tight ends,” Henry said. “He actually talked to me about the last five tight ends he put into the NFL. That’s a pretty eye-opening fact. That’s definitely a big thing.”

Henry said during Arkansas’ coaching search that he hoped the Hogs hired a coach who would throw the ball to the tight end. He seemed pleased that would be the case with Bielema.

“I’m definitely satisfied,” Henry said.

Henry, who has taken an official visit to Alabama, said he and Bielema discussed an official visit to Arkansas.

“I talked to him about wanting to come in January,” said Henry, who said he is talking to other coaches but has yet to set any dates for official visits. “Right now we’re just kind of waiting to find out my schedule on when I can do it.”

Sports, Pages 23 on 12/06/2012

Upcoming Events