Henigan’s poise stands out
3 min read
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan (No. 2 pictured) has thrown a touchdown in 41 straight games (entering 9-28-24).
Following a big victory over Florida State in Tallahassee, Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan needed 56 passes in a comeback effort versus Navy. The Tigers (3-1) eventually lost to the Midshipmen in a 56-44 upset.
The loss should not put a damper on the Denton (Tex.) native’s four-year run as the Tigers starting quarterback. Over the last few seasons, Henigan has performed at his best on the biggest stages. At the prep level, Henigan lost just two games at Billy Ryan High School playing for his father, Dave. Since then, all he’s done is throw at least one touchdown pass in 41 straight games (entering 9-28-24).
Bounce back
Perhaps more importantly, he’s seemed to always deliver when it has counted most for the Tigers. Just two seasons ago, he authored a masterful MVP performance against Utah State in the 2022 First Responder’s Bowl.
“I think the bounce back by Seth, who came out and played his tail off…kind of shows you the resilience that we’re all about,” Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield explained after the win at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. “For me, that’s why it’s personal and I’m proud to be able to get a win today because of what it meant to those guys in the locker room.”
At the time, Silverfield was referring to the team’s 34-31 loss to SMU in the same stadium just one month prior. Henigan threw the game-clinching interception in the back of the end zone to preserve the Mustangs victory.
Counting last Saturday’s loss to Navy, Henigan has lost just three games since that deflating afternoon. Included in-between are two bowl MVP trophies, 14 victories and 42 touchdown passes.
Prognosis
NFL teams may have questions regarding his relatively slight frame (6’2, 205) and underwhelming hand size (8 5/8″). In fact, ball security does rank as one of the weaknesses in his game (15 career fumbles). Henigan attempts to overcome this by frequently keeping two hands on the ball while scanning in the pocket.
His arm strength, while acceptable, is far from overpowering on the field. Henigan operates with anticipation, feel for the game and a firm grasp of the team’s playbook. In addition, his pocket mobility and underrated running skills (nine career rushing TDs) could put a couple of feathers in his cap.
Regardless of his final draft status, Henigan has avoided the temptation of the transfer portal. He views his commitment Memphis (see video below) through a different prism.
“This day and age with the transfer portal…everything just crazy, and there’s just not much loyalty to the team,” Henigan said back in 2022. “So, I’m just grateful right now. Things could happen, but what I know is that most of our guys are coming back.”
They did come back and eventually won 10 games in 2023. One of those losses was a 34-27 defeat at the hands of the Missouri Tigers (11-2), who finished ninth in the final CFP rankings. Henigan finished that campaign by passing for 364 yards (71%) and four touchdowns versus Iowa State in the 2023 Liberty Bowl. It was yet another bowl game MVP performance from Henigan.
If the Tigers want an opportunity to secure a college football playoff appearance in the new 12-team field, they cannot afford another hiccup.
Henigan’s team has a chance to rebound from last weekend’s loss when they take on Middle Tennessee (1-3) on Saturday night.
About Author
