Former Alabama WR continues to impress Kansas football teammates: ‘He’s a dog’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Alabama transfer Emmanuel Henderson draws praise for elite speed and work ethic.
- Kansas coaches plan to use Henderson as wideout and returner in multiple roles.
- Quarterbacks compare Henderson’s deep-threat potential to former KU standout Skinner.
According to many on the Kansas football team, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson is the fastest player on the roster.
To some, he’s the fastest player they’ve ever played with — in their entire careers.
The Alabama transfer picked Kansas in December, and the hype hasn’t stopped from coaches and players since. Strength and conditioning coach Matt Gildersleeve didn’t do anything to quiet the noise, either.
Gildersleeve noted that the Alabama transfer had a faster velocity than that of former speedster quarterback Jason Bean. Bean, you may recall, reached a reported speed of 22.4 miles per hour in a game vs. Oklahoma in the 2023 season.
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Cole Ballard couldn’t help but smirk when asked about Henderson.
“He’s a dog,” Ballard told The Star. “He’s different. He’s going to be fun.”
Ballard noted that Henderson is comparable to former Kansas receiver Quentin Skinner — a deep-threat favorite of starting quarterback Jalon Daniels — but added, “E-man is different.”
Henderson has quite a few fans in the quarterbacks room.
“He’s as talented as anyone I’ve ever seen,” freshman QB David McComb said. “I’m new here, and I’ve not seen much, but I can’t imagine anyone else that’s better than him. He’s the fastest guy on our team. He’s got great hands, great routes — I think he’s going to be a great player.”
McComb called Henderson an “NFL talent.” Henderson didn’t get the chance to showcase that much in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He played 199 total snaps on offense, accumulating five catches in three seasons with the Crimson Tide.
He will receive plenty of chances in Lawrence as he attempts to lessen the departures of KU’s longtime wide receiver group: Luke Grimm, Lawrence Arnold and Skinner.
Kansas offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowksi told reporters last week that Henderson has been a quick learner and could even play multiple spots. He’s served as KU’s primary kick returner in preseason practice, but could also win the punt returner competition.
At Alabama, Henderson primarily played special teams.
Now, the 6-foot-1 wide receiver will play a key role in how Daniels looks this season. The pair even worked out together in Daniels’ home state of California earlier this summer.
“He’s really a quiet guy that goes about his work,” coach Lance Leipold said in the spring. “I really love the young man as a person and what he brings to our team. He can be a good weapon for us. He’s a fine addition.”
This story was originally published August 4, 2025 at 10:15 AM with the headline "Former Alabama WR continues to impress Kansas football teammates: ‘He’s a dog’."
