Michigan WR A.J. Henning feels he can play role similar to 49ers' Deebo Samuel
Michigan football third-year sophomore slot receiver A.J. Henning wants to carry a heavier load on the Wolverines’ offense this fall.
The former high school running back is an interesting player. Last season, he had almost as many rushing attempts (nine) as receptions (10), and he played a big role on special teams, averaging 9.4 yards per punt return and 25.3 yards per kick return. He scored on end-arounds against Western Michigan and Ohio State and a kick return versus Maryland.
He’s a weapon, and there’s certainly a use for him on the team — offense, special teams — but there question is, where?
Henning is open to suggestions, and after a spring of proving himself even further, he’s confident he’ll be put in some good spots this fall.
“This spring has been huge in building the basis of what I want to do for this season for the team to help it win,” Henning, who played 181 snaps in 2021 (19th-most on the offense), said. “What I’ve done and what everybody has done competitively, we’ve all put ourselves in position to help this team. Going into this year, I can definitely see myself in the position to contribute more on 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.”
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is no stranger to innovation. During his time in Ann Arbor, he’s had multiple players see time on each side of the ball and played two quarterbacks at the same time. While many are talking about Mike Sainristil playing both receiver and nickelback this spring, Henning is one who could also impact the team in a multitude of ways.
Just on offense, he envisions himself as someone who could play a similar role to San Fransisco 49ers athlete Deebo Samuel. A versatile player, Samuel is “liable to line up anywhere at any point,” according to Pro Football Focus.
Henning hinted at that possibility for himself in a tweet earlier this offseason, and also spoke about it Thursday.
“I like the versatility of Deebo Samuel,” Henning said when asked which NFL players he feels he’s similar to. “His role being able to be placed all over the field. And obviously, guys like [Miami Dolphins receiver] Tyreek Hill who are speedsters.
“But Deebo Samuel is a unique talent that you sort of see that level of football, that position being molded at the NFL level. Being versatile, being able to be put in different positions, different matchups is huge. I feel like that’s what I bring to the game — versatility.
“I can line up everywhere and be put in matchups that can help.”
During the 2021 NFL regular season, Samuel caught 77 passes for 1,045 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 59 rushes for 365 yards and eight scores. He’s 6-0, 215 pounds — much bigger than Henning, who stands 5-10, 185. But while their body types and styles of play are different, the ways in which they can be used are similar at times.
The Wolverines have an abundance of weapons heading into next season. Henning is one piece of the puzzle, so fitting it all together won’t be easy.
“We know we have a lot of playmakers, and it’s a competition but it’s a helpful competition,” the Michigan receiver said. “Everybody’s raising the bar to make each other their best. Everybody, every day, is competing, and everybody, every day, is making one another better.
“One thing about our team that I’ve seen last year and moving into this spring, is just the unselfishness. We’re more about team success rather than individual success. And ultimately, everyone wants to touch the ball, everyone wants to make a play. With all the playmakers we have, everybody’s going to be able to make a play here or there.
“We’re going to be able to attack different teams in so many ways, so it’s not a matter of if your time comes — it’s a matter of when your time comes, can you make the play, will you make the play for our team?”
Henning has yet to prove himself as a high-level pass-catcher, but he averaged yards per carry last season. What he can do once he has the ball isn’t a problem — it’s about how they can get the rock in his hands.
Again, there’s something there, and it’s up to the Michigan coaches to use him in the best possible way. Or ways, given his versatile skillset.
