The Hero Everyone Passed On: Player Profile on Robert Henry Jr, Running Back for UTSA

📌 Disclaimer:
The following post is a work of fiction created for entertainment purposes within the video game universe of College Football 26. All characters, events, and storylines — including Coach Clay “Stonewall” Merritt, Frankie “The Horn” Calderón, and their journey with the UTSA Roadrunners — are entirely fictional and not affiliated with the NCAA, UTSA, or EA Sports. This series is fan-made and meant to celebrate the spirit of college football storytelling.

Growing Up Texas

The workhorse of the Roadrunner backfield is 5th-year senior Robert Elijah Henry Jr. He is not imposing to the eye, standing only 5'10" tall and weighing about 208 at the start of fall camp. What people notice, and what has left a mark on San Antonio, has been how he’s gone about his time here. It wasn't a storybook tale; there were adversity and injury setbacks, but he was granted an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, and he is determined to use it to finish what he started back in 2020.

His family lives in Port Arthur, a town four hours away from the Alamo City in the heart of the Gulf. Like most cities in Texas, football is everything anyone cares about—becoming the local legend in high school, accomplishing the dream of a scholarship, and playing the game you love as long as possible. It is the ideal environment for those looking to express their passion for the gridiron.

Henry Jr. boosted his team at Memorial High School, posting over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in both his junior and senior seasons, but the school could not capture a state title—something that hasn't happened since 2007. While more than one player affected that outcome, it seemed like coaches at the next level used that lack of team success to justify overlooking the 3-star running back, ranked 73rd in the country.

"They said I was a good back and teammate for a 5A school in Texas. Not SEC caliber or Power 5 caliber, just good."
— Robert Henry Jr.

Henry would only receive three FBS offers—one from UTSA, another from Texas State, and the last from UT El Paso. Even five years later, you can still see the hurt and disrespect in his eyes. It became clear where the chip on his shoulder came from: a relentless determination to prove to the world that 135 schools made a mistake passing on him in recruiting.

Workhorse Reputation

Over his years in San Antonio, Robert Henry has left an impression on the teams and coaches throughout the American Conference and the rest of the FBS landscape. He gets the ball and immediately moves forward with the urgency of a great white shark. He also possesses Olympic wrestler-level balance, allowing him to absorb contact from all angles, keep moving forward, and inflict punishment. Very rarely is he tackled on first contact, and he is deadly around the goal line—evidenced by his five touchdowns in the season opener against Texas A&M.

The determination he displayed in becoming an elite pass blocker and receiver might not be as noticeable to the naked eye.

Changing Hearts and Minds

Coaches from around Central Texas cited Robert’s perceived lack of home run ability as justification to not move forward with him at their schools.

"He can get you 5 yards when you block for three up front, but he just can't run away from the speed of the top conferences."
— Former Texas A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher, on missing Henry in the 2020 signing class

But the coach that matters in Robert Henry’s life now—Coach Clay Merritt—had this to say when I asked him about his senior leader:

"I feel like this group is still learning how lucky we are to have Robert in this extra season. He hadn’t been able to accomplish his goals due to circumstances outside his control, and now he cherishes every snap. He is a guard dog in cleats. Not flashy—just relentless."

He shares much in common with his new head coach. Henry doesn’t yell to bring his energy to the team. He forces his teammates to be accountable. After each field session, he runs a "gauntlet drill" for the other skill position players. Before each game, he writes an entry in his journal—not for motivation, but to center himself and be the best leader for his teammates.

"When I got here, my goals were to start, to contribute to wins, win a conference title, and make a bowl game."

Due to an exemption, Robert Henry was allowed to make magic on the field. Off the field, he sets an example as well. Henry will graduate after the season with a degree in Criminal Justice, maintaining a 3.4 GPA. This exemplifies what determination and self-confidence can accomplish when given the right opportunity.

Having stunned the College Football 26 world with five touchdowns against the Aggies, Robert Henry and the Roadrunners now set their sights on the I-35 rivalry against Texas State.
🔗 Read more about the rivalry game here

🎧 Remember to follow along with all things Rise of the Roadrunners by following @FeOTBpod and visiting feotbpod.org. The next game against the Bobcats, with me—Frankie "The Horn" Calderón—will be broadcast on the Far End of the Bench YouTube channel and 94.3 The Bird.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CueftCrQ4hw&list=PLsi2iH5szPg_kh7lVc0vAdT8vrtqh-5lA