Austin Henderson

Liberty Football Media Day on June 28th, 2024. (Photo by Cassidy Paxton)

Class:
Junior
Position:
TE
Height:
6-5
Weight:
245
Prev School:
Minnesota
Hometown:
Nashville, Tenn.

2024 (Sr.):

Saw playing time during the first six games of the season
Missed the rest of the year due to an injury
Finished the season with two receptions for 20 yards
Nine-yard reception against FIU
11-yard reception against Kennesaw State

2023 (Jr.):

Saw playing time in all 14 games
Started seven games
Tied for fourth on the team with three touchdowns
Finished the year with 10 receptions for 87 yards
Three-yard touchdown against Buffalo
Two receptions for 23 yards against Sam Houston
Three receptions for 25 yards against UMass
Finished the UMass game with two touchdown receptions
Two receptions for 27 yards during the CUSA Championship game against New Mexico State

2022 (So.):

Saw playing time in all 13 games
Started against UConn
Finished the season with five receptions for 50 yards
Had two receptions for 17 yards against BYU, including a five-yard touchdown reception
Finished the UConn game with a season-long 25-yard reception

Previous School:

Transferred to Liberty from Minnesota
Played in one game during the 2020 season

Prep:

Graduated from Ensworth High School in Nashville, Tenn.
Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com in 2020
Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com in 2020
Also had offers from Austin Peay, Ball State, Indiana, Iowa State, Jacksonville State, Minnesota, Murray State, Tennessee-Martin UTSA out of high school
As a senior, led his team to the semifinals of the Tennessee Division II Class AAA State Championship with 21 receptions and 232 yards
As a junior, recorded 12 receptions for 220 yards
No. 42 recruit in Tennessee and No. 32 tight end in the country by ESPN
Also participated in basketball and track

Personal:

Son of Kim and Tim Henderson
Completed his undergraduate degree in business administration in May 2025
Currently pursuing his master’s degree in Christian leadership
Birthday is October 23

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
It is the best university in the world all around in every area of your life!

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
For pregame I pray and listen to worship music to get centered in Christ! Then for postgame I go and see the family!

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My parents inspire me because of how much they find their strength and provision from the Lord! They have done a great job modeling that!

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
When we played and won against BYU at home, Arkansas, and in Conference Championship!

If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I chose 83 because I was number 8 in high school and the number 3 has had much significance in my life as it is my mom’s birthday. The Trinity is essential in our faith, Jesus rose on the 3rd day, and I am the youngest of 3!

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Breakfast is my favorite meal, my mom’s omelets, Swedish pancakes, bacon, and fruit make up my favorite breakfast!

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
I open the Bible app when I wake up.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
When I’m not playing football I’m either building and doing construction projects, fishing, hunting, worshiping, or golfing.

Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
Yes, a golden doodle named Cali.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Rob Gronkowski and Tim Tebow.

What is your favorite possession and why?
My Bible because it is invaluable, and my house because it brings so much Christ centered community opportunities.

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
I love to go to any beach that we can snorkel and layout.