WKU Football quarterback Maverick McIvor has received an NFL rookie minicamp invitation from the Chicago Bears, while wide receiver Matthew Henry has been invited to the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie minicamp, according to an April 29 announcement by Western Kentucky University.
The invitations mark another step for both players as they pursue professional football careers after notable seasons with the Hilltoppers. These opportunities come in addition to previous minicamp invites for McIvor from the Dallas Cowboys and for Henry from the Tennessee Titans.
McIvor played eight games during his single season at WKU, starting in seven. He threw for 2,062 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions, also rushing for two touchdowns. His performance earned him several preseason honors including spots on watch lists such as CUSA Preseason Watch List and Maxwell Award Watch List. He was named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week three times early in the season. After missing much of the second half due to injury, McIvor returned to lead WKU to a New Orleans Bowl victory over Southern Miss on December 23, earning MVP honors with a combined passing and rushing effort.
Henry started all thirteen games at receiver during his only season at WKU, leading in receiving yards (888) and touchdowns (six). He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Nevada. His efforts included three games with more than one hundred receiving yards and recognition as All-Conference USA Second Team by league coaches. Before joining WKU, Henry had standout seasons at Western Illinois and Livingstone College.
The Hilltoppers finished their most recent season with a record of nine wins and four losses under Head Coach Tyson Helton. The team claimed its seventh consecutive bowl appearance with a win over Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl.
Looking ahead, WKU will begin its next football season against Nevada on September 5.
