NATHANIEL MATA | THE MONITOR
McAllen High’s Gunnar Henderson had a strong week on and off the field. First, he torched La Joya Palmview for 129 receiving yards and four total touchdowns in a comeback 32-29 win the Bulldogs needed to keep their playoff hopes alive.
His highlight reel caught the eye of former NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who mentioned Henderson in a quote tweet.
“Please check out this kid he’s got a gift! College coaches line up. #Truth” Sanders tweeted.
The icing on the cake was Henderson’s first offer from a school in a Power Five conference. The slot receiver and all-around athlete received an offer from the University of Louisville as a preferred walk-on. The deal has the potential to turn into a full-ride scholarship following his first semester. The program offers scholarships to slot receivers every other year, and he could earn a 2019 offer if he performs well and keeps his grades high.
“I called them during my lunch period yesterday at around 11, and that’s when they told me,” Henderson said Tuesday. “I had went to a camp this summer, and they really liked me, so they just wanted to see my senior film. I sent that to them, and they really liked it.”
The whirlwind was a lot for the senior to process, but his priority remains getting into the high school postseason.
“It’s been a fun week,” Henderson said. “At the end of the day, I know what the most important thing is, and that’s going out there and winning on Thursday night. I appreciate everything Deion Sanders has done for me, and I obviously appreciate the offer from Louisville, but I have to focus and prepare just like every other week.”
McHi’s win last Friday was just as important. With a loss, McAllen would have been in a precarious situation trying to qualify for the playoffs. But the Henderson-led comeback made the situation easier. Win on Thursday against Mission High, and get in.
“It’s awesome,” Henderson said. “You always want to extend your season longer and go into playoffs. Now, as a senior, you’re experiencing all my lasts. Today I could have my last high school football practice. Everything just means a little bit more coming to the end of it.”