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Michigan defensive lineman Willie Henry will forgo his senior season in Ann Arbor and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft, he announced on Wednesday night via his Twitter account.
— Willie Henry (@WE_69) January 14, 2016
Henry was one of the key contributors up front on defense for the Wolverines in 2015. He played in all 13 games and gathered 34 total tackles (10 for loss) and 6.5 sacks. He also had an interception return for a touchdown against Utah in 2014.
He went from semi-unheralded recruit to one of Michigan's best players on defense. Coming out of high school in the 2012 class, Henry was the 944th-ranked player and 64th-ranked defensive tackle in the class, according to 247 Sports' Composite ranking system.
Henry's best football came this past season and it will be interesting to follow him throughout his pro career. He has the look of a player that could wind up outperforming where he is drafted at. He is currently unranked on many boards.
Michigan returns most of its defensive line next season even without Henry. Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, Taco Charlton and Maurice Hurst, among others. They will also be getting a healthy Bryan Mone back in the mix, who missed the entire 2015 season.
True freshman Jordan Elliot may step in and make an impact, along with Rashan Gary, if he is to come to Michigan.
The move also adds to the last few days of attrition. Michigan likely needed to open up six-to-eight more slots to fit all of its 2016 class in. Henry's decision along with Ross Taylor-Douglas and Terry Richardson transferring and Sir Patrick Scott decommitting helps there.