Hendy, a three-star prospect and the No. 86 receiver nationally according to Scout.com, plays both ways for the Bulldogs. Macklin thinks he could play offense or defense in college, but the Maryland staff might be leaning toward cornerback.

“I think they want him [on defense],” Macklin said. “But either side will work because I think he’s a great corner – he’s a lockdown corner for sure – and he’s a great receiver, too. I guess when they go to camp, wherever they need him at, they’ll put him there.”

Hendy’s 4.5 speed and impressive jumping ability – he’s a two-time state high-jump champion – was on display throughout Bowie’s 5-5 season. The Bulldogs started last year 0-3, but rallied to finish .500. Hendy played a major role in Bowie’s turnaround, according to Macklin.

“He’s one of those deceptive types of athletes where he turns it on as much as he has to,” Macklin said. “So we played a game against Suitland, they [were] driving the ball and they threw a deep out. It didn’t look like he could get to it, but he reacted, turned his hips, snatched it and took it back like 60 yards. I couldn’t believe he got to the ball and made the catch, all in one motion.”

Macklin, who has coached at Bowie for the past 15 years, starred collegiately at South Dakota State before spending time on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad as a wide receiver. Over the past three years, Macklin said he has seen parts of Hendy’s game that will allow him to be successful at the next level.

“I think the sky’s the limit with him," Macklin said. "The key is staying healthy. He’s hungry and he has the work ethic. It’s just about staying healthy and being in the right place at the right time. That’s what [college football] is all about, because everyone is all-everything. ... I think the Maryland coaches are seeing that he’s got a lot of upside.”