Best since Clowney? Clemson-USC target KJ Henry turning heads at Shrine Bowl practices
December 14, 2017
SPARTANBURG - KJ Henry is a five-star prospect and one of the most sought after uncommitted recruits for the class of 2018.
The Clemmons, N.C., native has shown why with his play during Shrine Bowl practices this week.
Henry has been playing an outside linebacker-defensive end hybrid role and has dominated the competition, living in the backfield during workouts.
He is set to announce his college decision on Dec. 20 and is down to a final five of Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Virginia Tech.
“He’s the best defensive end that’s been here in quite a while, I think,” Rivals analyst Adam Friedman said. “Everybody knows how (Jadeveon) Clowney was here. I’m not going to go that far and say he’s the best one since Clowney to come to this game, but he’s been very dominant.”
Henry is known primarily for his pass rushing ability, but he has been working to prove that he is capable of doing a lot more than just getting after the passer.
He has done a nice job against the run during practices and has also played well in pass coverage.
“They’re using me a lot of different ways, I think that’s why I’m having so much fun,” Henry said. “I think the coaches have helped me do that, just putting me in different places to be successful.”
Henry is listed at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, and Friedman said you can tell a noticeable difference between his size and strength now from earlier in his high school career.
“That added strength has helped with his run defense. He’s a very intelligent player so he knows what he’s looking for. It helps him anticipate the play. We’ve seen out here, he was dominant. He has lived in the backfield,” Friedman said. “He’s a great player and I expect him to have a really good career in college wherever he goes.”
Henry has not made a lot of progress as far as a college decision and said he is still considering all five of his finalists.
He has heard pitches from South Carolina and Clemson this week and plans to wait until the final 48 hours before making a final choice.
USC’s message to Henry?
“Coach (Mike) Peterson, the outside linebacker coach, he’s just checking in on me, nothing crazy, making sure I’m having a good time this week and producing well,” Henry said.
As for Clemson?
“They’re doing the same. Coach (Dabo) Swinney, coach (Todd) Bates are just checking in on me and making sure I’m working hard each practice and stuff like that.”
Henry’s father, Keith Henry, could play a factor in his decision. Keith is currently the running backs coach at Charlotte, but if he is hired at a school in KJ’s final five it could give that team an advantage. KJ is not aware of any teams reaching out to his dad yet.
“If they have I haven’t found out about it. Dad made it very frank that’s his business. He’s a coach and he’s handling that and he’s not bringing that into my recruiting process,” KJ said. “But at the same time that’s my dad. I’m going to do whatever I can to help us both be successful. If that’s how it works out that’s how it works out.”
KJ plans to sit down with his dad once he is home from the Shrine Bowl and the two will discuss a variety of topics, including if Keith has talked with some programs.
Keith has worked as an assistant coach at Wake Forest from 2001-2011 and at Catawba from 2013-16.
THE STATE
December 14, 2017
SPARTANBURG - KJ Henry is a five-star prospect and one of the most sought after uncommitted recruits for the class of 2018.
The Clemmons, N.C., native has shown why with his play during Shrine Bowl practices this week.
Henry has been playing an outside linebacker-defensive end hybrid role and has dominated the competition, living in the backfield during workouts.
He is set to announce his college decision on Dec. 20 and is down to a final five of Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Virginia Tech.
“He’s the best defensive end that’s been here in quite a while, I think,” Rivals analyst Adam Friedman said. “Everybody knows how (Jadeveon) Clowney was here. I’m not going to go that far and say he’s the best one since Clowney to come to this game, but he’s been very dominant.”
Henry is known primarily for his pass rushing ability, but he has been working to prove that he is capable of doing a lot more than just getting after the passer.
He has done a nice job against the run during practices and has also played well in pass coverage.
“They’re using me a lot of different ways, I think that’s why I’m having so much fun,” Henry said. “I think the coaches have helped me do that, just putting me in different places to be successful.”
Henry is listed at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, and Friedman said you can tell a noticeable difference between his size and strength now from earlier in his high school career.
“That added strength has helped with his run defense. He’s a very intelligent player so he knows what he’s looking for. It helps him anticipate the play. We’ve seen out here, he was dominant. He has lived in the backfield,” Friedman said. “He’s a great player and I expect him to have a really good career in college wherever he goes.”
Henry has not made a lot of progress as far as a college decision and said he is still considering all five of his finalists.
He has heard pitches from South Carolina and Clemson this week and plans to wait until the final 48 hours before making a final choice.
USC’s message to Henry?
“Coach (Mike) Peterson, the outside linebacker coach, he’s just checking in on me, nothing crazy, making sure I’m having a good time this week and producing well,” Henry said.
As for Clemson?
“They’re doing the same. Coach (Dabo) Swinney, coach (Todd) Bates are just checking in on me and making sure I’m working hard each practice and stuff like that.”
Henry’s father, Keith Henry, could play a factor in his decision. Keith is currently the running backs coach at Charlotte, but if he is hired at a school in KJ’s final five it could give that team an advantage. KJ is not aware of any teams reaching out to his dad yet.
“If they have I haven’t found out about it. Dad made it very frank that’s his business. He’s a coach and he’s handling that and he’s not bringing that into my recruiting process,” KJ said. “But at the same time that’s my dad. I’m going to do whatever I can to help us both be successful. If that’s how it works out that’s how it works out.”
KJ plans to sit down with his dad once he is home from the Shrine Bowl and the two will discuss a variety of topics, including if Keith has talked with some programs.
Keith has worked as an assistant coach at Wake Forest from 2001-2011 and at Catawba from 2013-16.
THE STATE
