And Then There Were Three

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The nation’s leader in receiving yards (619) by a tight end, Arkansas junior Hunter Henry has been named one of three finalists for the 2015 John Mackey Award, announced Tuesday. The honor is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end.

The John Mackey Award winner will be unveiled on Dec. 9 and presented live on Dec. 10 at The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Show.

Henry is the second Razorback ever to be named a finalist, joining 2010 recipient D.J. Williams.

The junior most recently turned in one of the most dominant performances of his career last Saturday against Mississippi State, hauling in seven passes for a career-high 129 yards and two touchdowns. With 44 receptions for 619 yards, he has already surpassed his 2013 and 2014 season totals, while his three touchdown receptions are one shy of his four in 2013.

Henry Snap Shot

A look at where Henry ranks among the SEC and national tight end leaders:

One of senior quarterback Brandon Allen’s go-to playmakers, Henry has led SEC tight ends in receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,541) the past three seasons. With 1,541 career receiving yards, he is one of just three Arkansas tight ends to eclipse the 1000-yard plateau, joining 2010 Mackey Award winner D.J. Williams - 1,855 (2007-10) and Chris Gragg - 1,003 (2008-12). With 109 career receptions, he is one of just 13 tight ends in SEC history to reach the triple-digit mark.

A preseason All-American by multiple national media outlets, Henry has a reception in 21 straight games, which is the longest active streak in the SEC and fourth longest among FBS tight ends. He hasn’t dropped a single pass this season, and he’s showcased his strong hands throughout his career, dropping just six of his 179 targets. For his career, Henry has garnered 61 percent of his targets, averaging 8.6 yards per target. This season, Henry is hauling in 68 percent of his looks, averaging 9.5 yards per target, which leads all SEC tight ends and ranks fifth among FBS tight ends (minimum 25 receptions).

Henry has been especially dominant on third down. Of his 1,541 career receiving yards, 579 (37 catches) have come on third down - more than any other down. His receptions on third-down passing plays result in a first down or touchdown 97.3 percent of the time (34 first downs, 2 touchdowns).

Henry’s Third-Down Receiving Rankings (Among All SEC Receivers and SEC/FBS Tight Ends)