Henry

Pearson

Pearson (6'3/250), who was sidelined earlier this season due to a shoulder injury suffered in the season opener, reached the end zone for the first time this season Saturday afternoon. Targeted four times on the day, the junior tight end also managed to double his reception tally for the season. Pearson hasn’t been a major part of the passing game during his two-plus seasons at App State, but he’s a dependable option when his number is called. He’ll look to build on Saturday’s effort next weekend when the Mountaineers visit Coastal Carolina.

Thursday’s game against the Red Wolves will be the Mountaineers’ first since September 26, as positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracing forced the postponement of games against Louisiana and Georgia Southern. No reason was given by the school as to why Pearson (6'3/250), who started eight of the 14 games that he played in last season, is not on the depth chart. Senior Mike Evans and redshirt senior Zac Crosby occupy the top two spots at tight end heading into Thursday’s game.

Drinkwitz noted “We’ve always been teams that play with multiple tight ends, from Boise State to N.C. State. It’s a needed position in our league to play against multiple fronts.” Sophomore TE Henry Pearson and senior Collin Reed combined for 26 receptions and five touchdowns last season. Both player figure to have a sizeable role this year and Pearson was Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 true-freshman tight end last year.