April 19, 2024
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Former Michigan, Lincoln-Way East star A.J. Henning enters the transfer portal

2019 Herald-News Player of the Year will try new path

By Steve Soucie
East's A.J. Henning celebrates after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, during the IHSA Class 8A Football State Finals at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Ill. The Griffins defeated the Ramblers, 23-14.

Lincoln-Way East's A.J. Henning celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the IHSA Class 8A Football State Finals at Northern Illinois University in 2017. Henning announced on Monday that he would be leaving the University of Michigan and entering the transfer portal. (Eric Ginnard)

Former Lincoln-Way East standout A.J. Henning announced on social media Monday he will be leaving the University of Michigan and entering the transfer portal.

Henning played three seasons at Michigan and was utilized exclusively as a return specialist for the Wolverines during his tenure in the program.

Henning chose Michigan from a number of top schools but was unable to establish a strong foothold as a regular offensive contributor for the Wolverines, instead settling into a role as Michigan’s primary kick and punt returner.

He excelled at that and was cited as a second-team All-Big Ten performer as a returner in 2022 and a third team All-Big Ten performer in 2021.

Last season, Henning returned 28 punts for 201 yards and also had 11 kickoff returns for 241 yards.

Henning capped a spectacular career at Lincoln-Way East with 28 total touchdowns in 2019, when he was named the Herald-News Football Player of the Year. One of those scores, a 56-yard touchdown jaunt in the third quarter of the Class 8A state championship, secured the state title for the Griffins in their win over Gurnee Warren.