K.J. Henry: CI 25 DE Has Mold Of Dante Fowler Jr.


Recruiting profile featuring K.J. Henry, the No. 18 prospect in the inaugural CI 25 recruiting rankings.


K.J. Henry Recruiting Profile

K.J. HenryCI 25 Overall Ranking: No. 18
CI 25 Position Ranking: No. 3
Hometown: Clemmons, North Carolina
School: West Forsyth High School
Position: DE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 230 lbs

Playing Style

Remember how dominating Dante Fowler Jr. was for the Florida Gators? Well, that’s the ceiling for K.J. Henry. Think about Fowler at a lighter weight. Surely, Henry will pack on pounds in his senior season and when he gets to college, though. At 6-foot-5, 217 lbs he projects as a JACK linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but can put his hand in the dirt and run the arc.

Clemson could utilize Henry the same way it used Vic Beasley when he was suiting up for the Tigers. Alabama also knows how to use edge rushers of Henry’s caliber. The Crimson Tide has been doing it for years, and Tim Williams is its latest product.

What They’re Saying

“Henry he moves fluidly and changes directions easily. He also has a great motor and closes quickly on the ball. Henry to needs to get stronger, add weight and refine his technique, but he has a tremendous upside and a bright future.” – Scout

“Henry’s shoulder dip is elite and he’s so wiry, it’s hard to get a clean shot on him.” – Mike Farrell, Rivals

Recruitment Details

Status: Uncommitted
Notable Offers: Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin

Recruiting Overview

Clemson is the early favorite. Coming off a national championship and being so close to home for Henry, the Tigers will hold an edge. Dabo Swinney needs to make sure Henry remains a priority, though. Florida has dipped into North Carolina before with Jonathan Bullard, D.J. Humphries and most recently T.J. Moore. The Gators can look to do that again, as they’re trying to re-stock the elite defensive cupboard former head coach Will Muschamp created.

Alabama, Ohio State, South Carolina (coached by the aforementioned Muschamp) and the home-state Tar Heels should be carefully watched, though. They all have a need for someone like Henry off the edge, and they’ll keep going after him until National Signing Day.

Photo courtesy of Scout.com

MORE: CI 25 – Ranking The Top 25 Recruits For 2018