Rylan Renteria

Robert Henry Jr. pregame versus Incarnate Word

UTSA football is no stranger to electric running backs donning the No. 3. 

Sincere McCormick was beloved by the city of San Antonio, and in his last season with the Roadrunners, they took the nation by storm. McCormick’s production was so legendary, so groundbreaking, most thought it could never be matched. 

Through four games, Robert Henry Jr. is out to prove that lightning can, in fact, strike twice in the same place. 

Henry hails from Lumberton, Mississippi, about an hour from where he began his collegiate career at Jones College. Junior College football and Football Bowl Subdivision football, though both Division I, are worlds apart — at least in terms of size. Talent wise, Henry says the nation’s top players reside in the JUCO ranks. 

“When I was at JUCO, I never had a running back coach. When I came here, I actually got a position coach so I could actually work just on football,” Henry explained. “In JUCO, my position coach was my head coach. I’m in the room with him everyday. It’s kind of different. Then everybody you see on campus, you see them every day. It’s small. Here, you see a whole bunch of new faces. 

“Talent wise though, I can say, JUCO probably has the most talent in sports.” 

Playing at a Junior College can be a humbling experience. Less resources means more work. That didn’t stop Henry from winning the Walter Jones Award in 2022, cementing him as the top JUCO player in the nation. 

“It was big for me, definitely,” he said. “I met Walter Jones and I flew to Orlando to get the trophy. That’s where I met him. So, definitely a pretty big moment. I was the first JUCO player to receive the award, so, you could put that down in the books.”

Jones, a six-time All-Pro and Hall of Fame member with the Seattle Seahawks, came from a Junior College like Henry, and encouraged Henry to maintain contact with him throughout his rise to stardom.

“He told me, whatever I need, to keep in touch. I still have his number to this day,” he said.

Henry’s illustrious career prior to landing at UTSA may lead fans to question how the Roadrunners landed such a coveted player. Henry claims it wouldn’t have happened without the relentless pursuit of coach Jeff Traylor, and his connection to the coaching staff in San Antonio. 

“UTSA was one of the schools that was hitting me up every day. And it’s crazy because I actually ignored UTSA for like almost a month. I finally hit them back on signing day morning because I was about to go to [the University of] South Carolina. And I was like, ‘You know what? I think I’m ready to sign.’ And that’s when I signed, that Sunday morning.” 

On top of lockering the Gamecocks, Henry says he chose the Roadrunners over the University of Kentucky and other SEC schools that were vying for his services. For him, it was all about Traylor and his staff. 

“I knew I was going to play, if I would’ve went to the SEC or [UTSA]. It was more about the love UTSA was showing. It was more about the coaching staff,” he shared. 

Henry arrived at UTSA to a loaded backfield. Kevorian Barnes was coming off an 851 rushing yard, six touchdown season and the team had just picked up Vanderbilt University running back Rocko Griffin. Henry knew he had his work cut out for him.

“There was no starting position. All of us rotated but seeing those guys, especially Kevorian, being in the system for a little minute, I knew he was going to play more than me off the rip. I had to get in my books early and learn the UTSA offense. I also knew Rocko Griffin was one of the top backs coming out of the SEC. I knew I was going to have to work and eventually, I worked my way to the top,” he explained.

Anytime there’s a room full of players who are hungry to earn playing time, there are chances for fractured relationships and hurt egos. That wasn’t the case for the Roadrunners.

“It was definitely a healthy competition,” Henry said. “Every day, it wasn’t me going against them or them going against me. We were trying to work together and get better everyday with each other. Both of those guys are good dudes. 

“Rocko, I would say, is like a preacher at running back. Kevorian was a little more goofier but yeah, I love both of those guys.” 

In 2024, Henry emerged as UTSA’s top option. Though, he admitted to having his focus taken away from football. With the help of Traylor, he got his mind and body right for the 2025 campaign. 

“I was too worried about what’s going on back home instead of being where my feet were. I think that kind of got me. But, when coach Traylor tells you got an opportunity, you really have to listen and lock in,” he stated. 

Henry finished 2024 with 130 carries for 706 yards and seven touchdowns — marks he very well could surpass in two weeks against Temple University. Still, with that success, he did draw interest in the transfer portal. However, he doubled down on his commitment to UTSA and remained a Roadrunner for his final year of eligibility. 

In his final year at UTSA, a new challenge arose: a baby boy. Now, on top placing his team and the City of San Antonio on his back, Henry has to balance being a father. 

“I’m with him after football all day, and I give him my all. I give him most of my time. But, once I’m back to football, it’s time for football. [One thing I’ve learned] is just don’t ever give up. You might have some nights where your child doesn’t sleep. You just got to be patient,” Henry explained.

Leading the nation in rushing yards has garnered Henry a lot of attention from fans and NFL scouts alike. Throughout this season, he’s tried to stay off social media and stick to his practices, yearning for the opportunity to take his talents to the next level. 

Regardless of his Mississippi origins, Henry is a Philadelphia Eagles fan. And according to him, Eagles’ scouts have expressed interest in potentially pairing Henry with Saquon Barkley, a move he’d welcome not solely due to his fandom, but also because he loves himself a good Philly cheesesteak. 

The buzz around Henry’s name is only going to get larger. Despite this, his message to his new fans is fairly simple.

“I’m a believer in God. I’m a family dude, and I love football. I just want to play football,” Henry affirmed. 

Telling Henry’s story in 2025 is impossible because it’s not finished yet — not even close. Fans are witnessing history and should revel in it. Enjoy it while it lasts, because like all the players that have tried defending Henry this season, blink and you’ll miss him.