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Jim Harbaugh raves about the growth this season from A.J. Henning

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•09/20/22•

AndrewEdGraham

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(Photo by Michigan Photography)

Michigan junior wide receiver A.J. Henning has become an all-purpose weapon for the Wolverines, returning punts and kicks on special teams while adding another dash of speed to the offense on end-arounds and screens. After his first career punt return TD on Saturday in Michigan’s romp over UConn, head coach Jim Harbaugh was very complimentary of Henning’s growth as a player.

As a true freshman, Henning appeared in five games, catching six passes and rushing three times and not featuring as a returner. Michigan eventually moved him into the returner role last season after wideout and top punt returner Ronnie Bell tore his ACL in Week 1, and Henning flourished while becoming a more consistent contributor on offense.

“He’s just able to do so much,” Harbaugh said. “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 every part of his game, he’s hungry. Wants to keep getting better and evolving.”

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Henning appeared in all 14 games in 2021 as Michigan won the Big Ten and appeared in the College Football Playoff. He only hauled in 10 passes for 79 yards, but he got nine carries in Michigan’s run-heavy offense that he took for 162 yards and two touchdowns. He was a solid punt returner a year ago and even more dynamic on kickoffs, taking six back for an average of 29.8 yards — including scoring on a trick play against Maryland.

Through three games in 2022, Henning is on pace to outdo last seasons production. He’s caught five passes for nearly a yard more per reception and seen two carries for nine yards — and that’s with Michigan playing backups for large portions of three blowout wins to open the year.

And against UConn, Henning flashed the speed, strength and vision that make him so dangerous as a returner when he took a punt 61 yards to the house midway through the second quarter.