Playing his first game in over a year, redshirt senior Artie Henry has earned athlete of the week honors after his three reception, 72-yard and one touchdown performance against Louisianan Tech.

The last time Henry caught a ball or even took a snap was more than 13 months ago when Marshall defeated Ohio 33-31 at Joan C. Edwards stadium.

Three games into the 2019 season, an injury halted his redshirt junior campaign, and another injury suffered in the preseason kept him out of the first three games of this season.

However, he battled back from both and led the Thundering Herd in receiving in his first game back.

Not only did he fight through adversity to get himself back on the field, but he also played a key role in the Herd’s win.

After Louisiana Tech scored its first touchdown of the game to cut the lead to 11, Henry and the Marshall offense responded with a touchdown drive of their own to push the lead back to 18.

On first and 10 just inside Louisiana Tech territory on the 46-yard line, Henry, lined up on the outside, beat his corner on an inside release and ran straight down the field. With no safety help over the top, Wells perfectly lofted the ball over Henry’s shoulder for the 46-yard TD.

It was Henry’s first touchdown reception since the 2019 season opener against VMI, and it was the fourth touchdown reception of his career.

For the Marshall offense, it was the first receiving TD since the opener against Eastern Kentucky.

In a game in which the running game was not as dominate, it was important for the downfield passing game to show up, and it did, sparked by Henry.

With Henry back in the fold for the offense, the already diverse pool of receivers increases, giving Wells and the offense many versatile playmakers.