Michigan Football: Breaking down commitment of LB Kevonte Henry

Michigan football continued to stay hot on the recruiting trail by picking up a commitment from three-star linebacker Kevonte Henry.

He took his official visit to Michigan on June 4th as part of the Wolverines’ first official weekend this month. Henry is the 11th commitment for Michigan football (there is now 12) and he is the fourth of five in the last week.

Henry is the second commitment from the state of California, joining four-star QB Jayden Denegal. California has traditionally been an important state for the Wolverines and that will continue to be the case with Courtney Morgan running its recruiting operation. Michigan football’s class now ranks 13th in the country. Read on for a breakdown of how Henry fits.

LB Kevonte Henry

Size: 6-foot-4 220 lbs

Ranking: Three-star-#833 overall, #82 linebacker, and #59 player in California in the 247sports composite rankings

Notable Offers: Oregon, USC, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Washington State, and San Diego State

The Player: Henry has good length for a high school edge rusher, standing at 6-foot-4. His relentless motor pops off on his film, both chasing after the quarterback and ball carriers in backside pursuit. Henry is an impressive athlete as he also plays running back and runs track for his high school. Henry plays a bit high right now, but once he learns to dip his shoulder and bend around the corner he could be a real difference-maker off the edge.

Once Michigan football gets him in its strength and conditioning program, Henry will probably get up to the 250-pound range. With added strength to his frame combined with his speed, Henry could become a strip-sack specialist as well.

The Fit: Henry is an ideal fit as an edge rusher in new defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald’s 3-4 scheme. He will likely take a year to redshirt and pack on weight to his frame. Michigan will lose Aidan Hutchinson to the NFL after this season and will need to continue to add depth to its edge spot with the young talent behind him still unproven.

Henry is the first edge rusher Michigan football has landed in its 2022 class. That likely will not be the case much longer with EDGE Mario Eugenio set to announce his commitment on July 5th and Michigan leading on the crystal ball.

The Wolverines also remain in an excellent position for DL/EDGE target Justice Finkley and may lead for EDGE Joshua Josephs as well following his official visit last weekend.