FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — Razorback tight end Hunter Henry announced that he will enter the 2016 NFL draft Monday.
Henry, a junior, tweeted his decision.
Henry was an All-American and earned the John Mackey award, given to the nation’s top tight end, in 2015.
In a letter on the Arkansas Razorback website, Henry said:
“To Razorback Nation,
After a great deal of prayer and reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to pursue my childhood dream and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
I have grown so much as a person and player these past three years at the University of Arkansas. I have enjoyed my experience more than I could have ever imagined.
As I move on to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL, I want to express my deepest thanks first and foremost to God for blessing me with the incredible opportunity to play football at the University of Arkansas.
I also want to thank Jeff Long and the entire athletic department, Coach Bielema, Coach Enos, Coach Lunney, my incredible teammates, my high school coach Kevin Kelley, and last but certainly not least, the entire Razorback Nation for giving this Little Rock native the experience of a lifetime.
I will deeply miss being a part of the Arkansas football team next year, but I will always be a part of the Razorback family!
I very much look forward to returning to Fayetteville to earn my degree and joining the rest of my family who are proud University of Arkansas graduates.
God Bless and Go Hogs!
Hunter Henry #84”
Also announced Monday, offensive tackle Denver Kirkland will forgo his senior year and pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.
Kirkland also tweeted a statement following his decision.
Kirkland’s decision adds another hole to the largest offensive line with seniors Sebastian Tretola and Mitch Smothers out of eligibility.
The junior rotated along the offensive live playing both tackle and guard during his three seasons.
