Clemson "rolled out the red carpet" for 5-star K.J. Henry's official visit
Clemson got their chance to host five-star K.J. Henry for an official visit this weekend. The Clemmons (N.C.) West Forsyth star defensive end has been to Clemson countless times but this one seemed a little different.
IN HIS OWN WORDS…
“They rolled out the red carpet for my family and me this weekend,” Henry said. “It was a great time. The rain couldn’t even bring us down. Just being there and seeing all those great wonderful people just made it a great weekend. I know it’s a hard decision for me but if you asked my little brother and sister where they are attending college, they’ll say they are attending Clemson University tomorrow. They’re both committed already. They had a great weekend and so did all of us.
“This morning, after a wonderful breakfast, we talked with the coaches and they sent us on our way,” he said. “It was good to finish up the visit talking to coach Swinney. There wasn’t much that needed to be said because I’ve been there so many times. I know what Clemson is about and there are no secrets there. They’re just trying to do the right thing and we know that. Coming into this weekend, it was about consistency that I was looking for and it was there. They have a very good program with a lot of great kids. They want me to be another puzzle piece, a vocal leader, and try to help the team get better.
“I think playing a team like Georgia Tech shows the best you can show about the discipline coming from those coaches,” said Henry. “Obviously they did a great job. I was in a meeting with those guys before the game. Georgia tech has a team that averages a little over 275 yards rushing per game. Clemson held them to under 250 yards. It just shows the type of discipline Clemson has. Read your keys and trust what you’ve been doing to make those plays. There were no big gains. That shows a lot about how they’re doing under coach Bates.
“As far as being comfortable there, it’s off the charts,” he said. “That can’t be hidden. The coaches and the relationships that I’ve built are great. I met Clelin Ferrell last night and we’re somewhat of the same guys. He’s a funny guy that’s enjoying life. Austin Bryant is the same way. I got to see Xavier again. He’s a good buddy of mine. I feel very comfortable with everybody on the staff and in the locker room.
“Next will be South Carolina,” Henry said. “We’ll be heading down there in two weeks for an official visit (for the Florida game). We’ll see what the Gamecocks are about. It’s been a while since I’ve seen coach Muschamp. He’s come up to my game and supported me and I’m ready to do the same for him.
“You never want to hear that a coach has been fired but at the same time it’s going to be an advantage for South Carolina because Florida will be a little discombobulated,” he said. “South Carolina has a good chance to take advantage of their disadvantages and really make some plays. I’m expecting a win for those guys. I want to check out their defensive line play. Lance Thompson does a great job with them. Coach Muschmap is the one calling the plays so it’s all going to come back to him and what he sees me doing for that program.
“The game between South Carolina and Clemson will have no effect on my recruitment,” said Henry. “Watching games like that where teams in my top five are playing against each other, I just get to see who wants it more. It doesn’t speak to the school or the coaching. It just speaks to the players. I don’t necessarily go off of them. I just enjoy sitting back and watching a good game. I’m cheering for all my teams that I’m getting recruited by. The same goes for South Carolina and Georgia next weekend.”
RIVALS’ REACTION
Clemson has been the team to beat since the very beginning of Henry’s recruitment and the Tigers did their best to secure the pole position. This was Henry’s second visit to Clemson this season after witnessing the Tigers beat Auburn earlier this year. Virginia Tech and Georgia are the biggest challengers to Clemson and Henry is quietly evaluating the pros and cons between them along with South Carolina and Alabama, the other two teams in Henry’s top five. The Gamecocks will host Henry for his next official visit and they will need to do all they can to make a big impression and move towards the top of Henry’s list. Alabama will get an official visit from Henry before he commits on December 20th.
