Michigan football WR AJ Henning enters transfer portal
Michigan football wide receiver AJ Henning has entered the transfer portal, he announced on Monday afternoon via his social media accounts. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next stop.
Michigan used Henning as a wide receiver, out of the backfield and as a kick and punt returner at times as a Wolverine, which made him a valuable weapon for the offense.
“I feel like I have the versatility to play all over and be put in different positions, so whatever position I can be put in to help the team and ultimately put myself in successful matchups and the offense in successful matchups … wherever it is, I’m glad to be put in that position,” Henning said last summer.
Henning was a two-time All-Big Ten selection as a return man (second team, coaches and media in 2022, third team, coaches and media in 2021) and appeared in 33 career games in Ann Arbor. He had 25 career receptions for 198 yards to go along with 15 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns.
Michigan had Henning return 17 kicks for 241 yards and a touchdown in his career, while he added 57 punt returns for 475 yards and a touchdown.
There was preseason buzz last year that Michigan was working on a Deebo Samuel-esque role for him as a Swiss Army knife in the offense. That never quite happened and now with a growing numbers game at wide receiver, he will look to take his talents elsewhere.
“He’s just able to do so much,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said last fall. “Just try to find ways, continue to find ways like we always have to get him the ball. But, really evolving as a route runner, his determination as a returner — he’s been outstanding. I mean, from where he started last year, first time catching a punt, to where he is now, it’s so good. And in every part of his game, he’s hungry. Wants to keep getting better and evolving.”
Michigan will be led at the top of the depth chart by graduate Cornelius Johnson and senior Roman Wilson in 2023. Sophomores Darrius Clemons and Tyler Morris will continue to compete for time, while growing buzz for former walk-on Peyton O’Leary increases. The Wolverines bring in a three-man freshmen class at wide receiver in Frederick Moore, Semaj Morgan and Karmello English, the latter of which arrives for fall camp.
This story is developing.
