Henry Litwin
Wide Receiver / Slippery Rock

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Henry Litwin:  I am 6’1, 195 pounds and low 4.5’s. 

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Henry Litwin:  My training hasn’t stopped during the quarantine.  It gave me more time to do what I need to do.  I have been lifting in the morning and running on the same day.  My future brother-in-law has a bench and up to 300 pounds of weights.  I go to a high school field and run up the stairs at the stadium.  I also run some routes.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Henry Litwin:  I played basketball all four years.  I actually scored 1,000 points.  I accomplished that feat.  It was a way to stay in shape.  

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Henry Litwin:  I was a WR, safety and also a LB. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Henry Litwin:  I had a very good career in high school in PA.  I talked to FCS schools and PSAC schools.  I was talking to Duquesne and Central Connecticut.  I visited Slippery Rock and had a workout with them.  I tore it up during the workout, but the coach told me that they had no money to offer me right now.  I can only come in as a walk-on.  I had full rides to other PSAC schools like Edinboro, Seton Hill, and Mercyhurst.  I asked my family to support me financially at first.  I was confident that I would earn a scholarship sooner than later.  I went back there.  They gave me a roster spot.  Right after my redshirt year, I earned a scholarship.  I was tearing it up on the scout team during my redshirt year.  I trusted the process and played my role at first.    

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Slippery Rock? 

Henry Litwin:  They had my major in safety management.  I loved their academic program.  Other schools talked to me about beating Gannon as their program goals.  Slippery Rock talked about winning the PSAC and the National championship as their goals.  I wanted to compete against the best and prove a point.    

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.        

Henry Litwin:  It was slow at the start.  I had to go through the process and wait for my time.  I worked hard every day, and it showed in practice.  I kept my head down and got an opportunity.  I have the best teammates possible.  We had our QB Roland Rivers last year.  We have other receivers like Cinque Sweeting and Jermaine Wynn.  Before Roland, we had Andrew Koester starting at QB.  He should be our starter this year.  Falling to Minnesota State in the semis of the playoffs last year, left a bad taste in our mouth.  We have everyone coming back.  We are working and getting better.  We want to prove it this year.  Other teams know what we can do.  The goal is the national championship. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest reason behind your breakout junior campaign?

Henry Litwin:  The team we had.  Our offensive line was stacked.  We had Austin Wayt at C, Roland Rivers at QB and great receivers.  It was a great recipe.  We pushed each other and expected the best out of everyone. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is it like to be a part of such a potent passing attack? 

Henry Litwin:  It is a WR’s dream.  Coach Neugebauer came in and implemented his offense.  Coach Buck did a great job with receivers.  It is a new style of offense.  It was nice when you get eight passes thrown to you in a game.  You are actually able to get into a rhythm. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Henry Litwin:  My hands.  I can catch about any ball.  If you are one on one against the defender, it means that you are one against none at Slippery Rock.  If there is only one player against me in man coverage, there will be consequences to it.  I am a bigger target.  I am also deceivingly fast and stronger than your average receiver.     

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Henry Litwin:  Route running.  I can always improve in that.  I am also working on my get off at the line.  I was dealing with some minor issues in my foot, and I was getting off the ball slow.  I dealt with a turf toe issue before the start of last season.  Now I am back and 100% healthy. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Henry Litwin:  Being an academic All-American, as well as being an All-American on the field.  It is a special thing for my family.  I had a 4.0 GPA this past semester.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Henry Litwin:  Play your role.  You don’t have to be a superstar.  With great teams, everyone plays a role. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Henry Litwin:  I am a Browns fans.  My family is from Youngstown, Ohio.  They have always been the underdogs. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Henry Litwin:  Julian Edelman.  He was a great special teams’ player who was tearing it up.  Then he got an opportunity as a receiver.  I respect him as a player.      

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Henry Litwin:  WR Jermaine Wynn Jr, WR Cinque Sweeting, C Austin Wayt and DE Chad Kuhn.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Henry Litwin:  S Lamont McPhatter from Cal U of PA. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Henry Litwin:  Being able to make a play.  You can go the whole game without a catch, but when the team calls on you with one minute left in the game, you have to perform.  You have to be ready at all times.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Henry Litwin:  Just the challenge of football.  It brings the best out of people.  It pushes everybody.  It is a feeling that can’t be matched.  You set a new goal each time and get better.  The challenges to become a better player and person. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Henry Litwin:  The ability to get along with anybody on the team.  I have been a walk-on and a freshman, I will speak to anyone.  I give advice guys.  I am not outspoken.  I am not in the middle of the huddle talking to guys.  I like talking one on one with my teammates. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Henry Litwin:  Hiking and fishing. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Henry Litwin:  A leader is someone who is willing to do the things that others won’t.  He is a motivator.  Not afraid to get his hands dirty, but encourages others. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Henry Litwin:  Safety management is my major.  It is the best school for this major.  One of the best in the country.  I want to go into insurance.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Henry Litwin:  Relentless, committed, reliable, respectful, and unique.