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KU's Henry hopes his play speaks volumes By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH
LAWRENCE | Marcus Henry's nickname is "Mute." "That pretty much spells it out," teammate Brandon McAnderson said. It is certainly true that Henry doesn't talk much. Henry, a Kansas senior wide receiver, just might be the most understated pass-catcher in the history of big-time college football. But Henry, a native of Lawton, Okla., swears he is trying to speak up more. "I guess because I didn't talk a lot when I first got here," Henry said, opening up with some reluctance. "They gave me that nickname, and it's stuck with me over the years. I've been talking more now. I already feel comfortable, but I guess since it's my last year, I'll talk more." His teammates may still give Henry a hard time about his vocal timidity, but they can't deny the confidence he's shown on the field. The Jayhawks were asked in a preseason player poll, "Who will be the biggest surprise on the team this season?" Henry was the overwhelming choice, tallying 29 votes. The closest vote-getter had 10. A quick survey of the Kansas team speaks volumes. "He is an awesome athlete," McAnderson said. "He jumps about as high as I've seen anyone jump in a football uniform." From quarterback Kerry Meier: "He's kind of making a name for himself around Kansas. He's improved drastically since I've been here. He's always been a big, athletic guy that goes up and gets the ball. I think one difference is, in this offense, I picture us going downfield, and that fits Marcus' game very well." From quarterback Todd Reesing: "He's really learned to use all 6-5 of his frame in his speed and his route-running ability. He has a chance to be one of the better wide receivers in the Big 12." It's fitting that the team's quietest player would need the help of his teammates in singing his praises. Henry acknowledges that the expectations for him this season have increased since the spring game, when he hauled in six passes for 150 yards and three touchdowns. "Just knowing that the coaches were willing to call plays for me, that upped my confidence a lot," Henry said. "The expectations have jumped, but I'm going to try to make them come true." Henry has improved slowly at Kansas. Last year, as a junior, he caught 25 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. If the Jayhawks are going to contend for a Big 12 North title or make a bowl game, they'll need Henry to far exceed that production. KU's receiving corps -- which also returns junior possession receiver Dexton Fields and tight end Derek Fine -- appears to be a team strength going into the season. Kansas coach Mark Mangino said true freshmen receivers Dezmon Briscoe and John Wilson are in the running for significant playing time, too, seemingly making the Jayhawks even stronger at the position. "Knowing that I'm one of the oldest wide receivers out there," Henry said, "and having the freshmen out there and looking up to me, that kind of gets me going, too." One thing is for sure: Anything that gets Henry going is good for Kansas. To reach J. Brady McCollough, Kansas reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4363 or send e-mail to jmccollough@kcstar.com |
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J. Brady McCollough - jbrady@coveringsports.com (email) - 816-868-2621 (cell) |
