TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The decision wasn’t easy by any means. Hale Hentges traveled across the nation on a strenuous recruiting search that ultimately spanned 18 unofficial visits before finding a new home in Alabama. Coming from a native of Jefferson City, Mo., that choice took a few people by surprise.
Hentges grew up roughly 35 minutes away from Missouri’s campus and cheered on the Tigers as a kid. Had the 6-foot-5 tight end been a few inches taller, his former high school basketball coach, Josh Buffington, believes he could have suited up in black and gold on the hardwood. Instead, Hentges will be donning crimson and white Saturday as he takes on his home-state team for the first time in his career.
“I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was excited for this one,” Hentges said. “Just because it's Missouri and ever since I was a little kid I always grew up watching Missouri. It'll be fun to see how our team stacks up against theirs. And, obviously, there'll be a lot of people back home watching.”
Hentges is also expecting a substantial cheering section inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. Along with family members, Buffington and several other friends and former coaches will be making the 560-mile trip south from Jefferson City to see the former Helias star in person. The lone Missouri native on the roster, Hentges is still hoping to pull off a few last-minute deals to accommodate his hometown supporters.
“I do have a lot of people coming to this one, naturally,” Hentges said. “I’m going to do everything I can to try and exchange some tickets with some teammates so I can get them down here because I have a lot of people coming, obviously.”
Hentges doesn’t regret his decision to come Alabama one bit. The former three-star recruit has carved his niche as the Crimson Tide’s blocking tight end and has started all four years since coming to Alabama. Over that span, he has been to three national championships and helped the Crimson Tide to two national championships.
Looking back, Hentges and his family have no regrets over his college choice. Although, that didn’t make the decision any easier.
“I know the Missouri fans really wanted him to go to Missouri, and we did visit there quite a bit,” Hentges’ father Chris said. “They were one of those schools who jumped in early on Hale and offered him his freshman year, so they recruited him for four years and developed a relationship over that time.
“There were a lot of hard feelings and things we got past, but I think people in Missouri now can see it and understand it. They’re proud of him and rooting for him. I won’t say that it wasn’t difficult for a while not choosing Missouri as the school he was going to go to.”
While Hentges received plenty of support from friends and family, some of the Missouri faithful wasn’t as accepting.
For the most part, Missouri fans have come to accept Hentges' decision, at least the ones he’s concerned with. The Alabama tight end said he understands the initial hostility and has moved on without any ill will.
“How can you blame them? A local hometown guy, they obviously think I should have gone to Mizzou and that's OK,” Hentges said. “I love that school and everything, but I made the best decision of my life coming to the University of Alabama, and I couldn't be happier.”
Alabama will host Missouri on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN for its annual homecoming game.
