Where are they now?: ‘Last Chance U’ star Malik Henry
LONG BEACH, Calif. (BVM) – Malik Henry is one of the most polarizing and well-known athletes to star on Netflix’s hit series “Last Chance U,” and he recently popped up as a starting quarterback elsewhere.
The former four-star recruit began his career at Florida State under then-head coach Jimbo Fisher and spent just one season in Tallahassee before transferring to Independence Community College (Kansas). Independence was the focus of seasons three and four of the hit Netflix series, but season three is when Henry’s complicated relationship with head coach Jason Brown was in the spotlight.
After two seasons at Independence, Henry transferred to Nevada where he was offered a walk-on spot for the 2019 season. The 6-foot-2 QB had a strong spring camp and entered that season in a three-player race for the Wolf Pack’s starting job. Pre-camp favorite Cristian Solano broke his throwing hand in camp, then opening-day starter Carson Strong suffered a collarbone injury.
Former 'Last Chance U' star Malik Henry was slinging it around in his first FBS start for @NevadaFootball.#BattleBorn pic.twitter.com/lKG4cTen7B
— Stadium (@Stadium) October 13, 2019
The injuries thrust Henry into the starting role and in his first FBS start, he led the Wolf Pack to a thrilling 41-38 win over San Jose State on Oct. 12, 2019. Henry completed 22-of-37 passes for 352 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He started the next game against Utah State, struggled, and was removed from on-field participation by Nevada head coach Jay Norvell to focus on academics and his personal life. Henry never returned to practice and didn’t enroll in classes for the spring semester.
After not being seen on a football field since the 2019 season, Henry resurfaced on the roster of a professional indoor team. The Frisco Fighters have Henry listed as one of three QBs on its roster, and after beginning the season as a backup, the former Last Chance U star got his shot to start midseason.
He made his first start on July 31 in a win over the Sioux Falls Storm and went on to throw for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns over the next six games. The Fighters, who were founded in 2020 and play their games at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, finished the season at 11-4.
From Florida State to JUCO to Nevada and then professional indoor football, Henry appears motivated to continue his playing career.
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