A.J. Henning, WR, Northwestern
Size:
Height: 5’10” | Weight: 185 lbs
Accomplishments:
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2023) • Second-Team All-Big Ten Returner (2022) • Third-Team All-Big Ten Returner (2021)
“A.J. Henning is a quick-moving pass-catcher with slot playmaking ability. He is a versatile receiver who makes plays in multi-faceted ways.”
Strengths:
Movement receiver pre-snap
Slot mismatch against most safeties
Kick and 0unt return specialist
Manufactured touches in space
Concerns:
Catch radius
Limited production throughout career
Limited route free and WR usage
Handling physical defenders
Film Analysis:
A.J. Henning spent his first couple of seasons with Michigan, where he was a movement receiver in their offense. He handles manufactured touches like jet sweeps, end-arounds, orbit-motion screens, etc. Henning is a dynamic punt and kick returner who can flip field position. After transferring to Northwestern, his role for the Wildcats is nearly identical. He is their manufactured touch weapon who is dynamic in space with the ball in his hands.
In the passing game, Henning brings a dynamic run-after-catch threat. He excels at running routes out of the slot and getting the ball in his hands in space. Henning’s experience as a return specialist helps him read and follow his blockers to daylight with patience. He displays a great burst/acceleration in the open field to generate big plays. As a route-runner, Henning excels on the horizontal plane with deep overs and crossing patterns to put DBs in a trail position. He does a good job using patience on rub/pick routes to make his DB fight through traffic to stay in phase.
Henning is a playmaker who adds value to the run game. With formation shifts, he will align in the backfield flanking the QB in shotgun and taking handoffs on outside run calls. Henning handles jet sweeps, end-arounds, WR reverses, and misdirection play calls.
He is proven to be a dynamic special teams ace at both programs. It doesn’t matter if he’s returning kicks or punts, Henning has shown the ability to flip field position—setting up his offense in plus-territory. He had two return scores during his stint at Michigan. Henning would be an ideal returner with the NFL adopting the UFL’s dynamic kick return system.
Henning’s concerns begin with not being a refined route-runner and receiver. With most of his usage spent as a gadget receiver, he hasn’t developed fully. His route tree is limited outside of screens and manufactured touches. Henning struggles to fight through physical contact at the line of scrimmage and in his route stem. He can be knocked off his spot and have his route timing disrupted by physical and handsy defenders. He does not offer a large catch radius for passes thrown helmet height or higher. Henning should not be expected to win many contested-catch situations down the field. He will need to prove to NFL scouts and decision-makers that he can win as a pure receiver instead of being labeled a “gadget” weapon.
Henning is a dynamic space player and return specialist. He has explosive playmaking ability whenever he touches the football. At this time, he projects as a slot receiver and returner. With his speed and space playmaking, Henning can contribute to an NFL roster in multiple ways.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Rutgers (2023), Wisconsin (2023), Utah (2023), Nebraska (2023)
