Michigan defensive tackle declares for NFL draft
Michigan will return a ton of talent in 2016.
That, coupled with the fact that Jim Harbaugh gets a full recruiting cycle, is why Michigan will likely be a preseason top-10 team.
But the Wolverines won’t return one of their key defensive pieces.
Defensive tackle Willie Henry announced via Twitter on Wednesday night that he’ll forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the NFL draft.
— Willie Henry Jr. (@WE_69) January 14, 2016
Henry was a starter for the better part of three seasons in Ann Arbor, and was one of the main reasons the Wolverines boasted a top-five defense in 2015.
The Cleveland native was tied with Chris Wormley as the team’s sacks leader (6.5) and he finished 2015 with 10 tackles for loss, which was second to Wormley’s 14.5. Henry and Wormley would’ve been one of the better returning line duos in the nation.
Instead, Henry will take a shot at the NFL. According to NFLdraftscout.com, he’s is the No. 18th-rated defensive tackle.
The Wolverines have been able to dodge the early NFL draft entries so far. Jake Butt and Jourdan Lewis both announced that they’re staying in school, as did Wormley.
Michigan could get a possible replacement immediately if No. 1 recruit Rashan Gary were choose the Wolverines.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is January 18.