NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Henry Litwin, WR, Slippery Rock University

Henry Litwin Slippery Rock
Slippery Rock’s athletic WR Henry Litwin recently sat down with Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams

Litwin had an excellent year in 2019 with 103 receptions, 1509 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. While reaching the Semi-Finals of last season’s playoffs, Slippery Rock delivered a high-powered offense. They’re looking to continue that momentum going into this season.

  • Name: Henry Litwin
  • Height: 6’1”
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • Position: WR
  • College: Slippery Rock University
  • Twitter: @Henry_Litwin11

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Slippery Rock University is a small school with a rich history. The town really loves it’s football which creates for a great atmosphere come gamedays. It seems like you could go anywhere in the country and you can find a Slippery Rock fan or alumni which is pretty incredible considering it’s size.

How did you end up at Slippery Rock?

Like most kids I wanted to attend a Division I University out of high school. I had been in talks with a few Division I schools but I was pretty set on going to Youngstown State. It had been a dream of mine to go there and play football. When it was time to start visiting schools I decided that I would make a visit to Slippery Rock. I really fell in love with the campus, the coaches and my future major (Safety Management). As my visit concluded I was told they had no money to offer me at the time. On my way home I told my family that Slippery Rock was the one. So I called coach Lutz and drove back to campus and told him if he gave me the opportunity to earn a scholarship that I’d come play for him.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My ability to lead without being super outspoken. I believe that leading by example means more to my teammates than words. I’m more of a one on one guy when it comes to giving advice and tips.

What kind of role do you see yourself on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set? 

I see myself as a leader and a playmaker. I think my team sees me as a very reliable player who they can call on when a play needs to be made. With my skill set and size I believe I can play out wide or even in the slot. Wherever I’m needed I’ll make it work.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Lamont McPhatter from CalU of PA.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jermaine Wynn. He has a motor that’s contagious and the team feeds off of it. We’re like brothers when it comes to competing. We’re constantly challenging one another which is why we’re so dangerous. He’s a great leader and even better person.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

I unfortunately tore my labrum my sophomore year right before the season. I was still competing for a scholarship so when this happened I thought there’d be no scholarship and that my family would have to go another year of helping me pay for school. Instead of just accepting defeat I decided to skip surgery and go straight to physical therapy. I ended up playing the whole season without even missing a practice. I was then put on scholarship later that year.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Walking-on and becoming Academic All-American as well as a D2 All-American. I owe it to my coaches, teachers and family to do the best I can possibly do in every aspect of life.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Probably my first collegiate catch. I had finally become a starter and we were playing Kentucky State at home. I remember beating the guy off the line and seeing the ball come my way. The feeling of running into the endzone while the fans went crazy was something I won’t forget. It’s a special thing to say your first collegiate catch was a touchdown. It was at that moment I was like “Okay, I’m here. I can do this.” I know my family was thinking the same thing.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball. I played in high school and actually ended up scoring 1000 points before graduating in 2016.

What is your major/minor? Other than football, what would be your dream job?

Safety Management with Leadership as a minor. I’d love to become a college football coach. It would be hard for me to just walk away from the game. But with my degree I will be giving myself many options after I graduate.

What have you been working on in the off-season?

I’ve been working on my starts off the line as well as my route running. I wanted to focus on these two things this summer.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

I’m a big Julian Edelman fan. I respect that he came from a smaller school and got his opportunity on special teams. He isn’t necessarily the most athletic or the biggest but that hasn’t stopped him in any way. I watch how he runs his routes and I watch old/present clips of him on special teams just to improve my game and my style of play. He’s someone I can relate to and that’s why I respect him so much.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Do you have any secret talents?

I live right on lake Pymatuning in Northwestern Pennsylvania so I do some fishing and hiking when I can squeeze in time. 

Why do you play football?

There’s something inside of me that is always seeking competition and continual improvement. Football challenges me to be a better athlete as well as a better person and I love the feeling.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family and everyone who has helped me during my journey.

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