Henry plans to make his own name
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Comparisons are unavoidable --
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and Malik Henry is getting stacked up against a dandy.
Jameis Winston was the top-rated dual-threat quarterback in the 2012
class. Henry, who committed to Florida State on Thursday, will move to
that classification from pro-style quarterback in the next round of rankings and
could be rated similarly.
Both are big-time baseball players and Henry, like Winston, plans to play two
sports in college. Both have incredible arms. Winston has already done it and
Henry has the ability to lead Florida State for years to come and maybe to
another national championship.
It is a comparison that Henry, who said he knew he was picking Florida State
about a week or two ago, embraces but he also wants to be known for his own
abilities, which are plenty.
"I don't mind the comparisons," Henry said. "I actually think we do have a lot
of similarities in our games but I don't want to follow in his footsteps. I want
to make my own name for myself but I can deal with the comparisons as long as
people don't think I'm playing in the shadow of Jameis Winston."
Henry, the No. 2 pro-style quarterback and ninth-best prospect overall in the
2016 class by Rivals.com (Winston was No. 10 overall in the 2012 group),
committed to Florida State over Notre Dame, UCLA and
Ohio State. The only quarterback rated higher is Lake Stevens, Washington,
recruit Jacob Eason, who picked Georgia in the summer.
Henry's relationship with coach Jimbo Fisher and Florida State's
assistant coaches played a big role in his decision. The five-star quarterback
who has similar qualities to Winston but is probably more athletic and less
physical tried numerous times this fall to visit Tallahassee including a trip
for the big Notre Dame matchup.
Schedules never worked out especially for a cross-country excursion but Henry's
trip to Tallahassee this past summer for camp was enough to convince him it was
the right place. There is a chance he could make the Florida-Florida
State game but a family cruise could halt those plans.
"We have a great relationship," Henry said of Fisher. "He's an awesome coach, a
great coach to be around. He's a players' coach, that's what I like most about
him. I can relate him to (Westlake) coach (Jim) Benkert a lot so that's what I
liked.
"He knows his stuff about quarterbacks from E.J. (Manuel) and even Jameis now,
just watching those guys grow as individuals and players. I fit well in their
offense and I think I can not follow in their footsteps but do some good things
at Florida State."
Henry, the top-rated player in the California state rankings by Rivals.com, has
thrown for nearly 2,000 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine
games this season. The five-star has also rushed for five scores, a part of his
game that doesn't always get enough credit.
Henry said he hopes to be an early enrollee and is taking the necessary academic
requirements but because of his baseball obligations and other factors it is not
a guarantee yet.
Westlake plays Santa Ana (California) Mater Dei in the first round of playoffs
Friday night. Henry's team lost in the regular season to Mater Dei when a
last-second field goal attempt by Westlake was blocked.
For Henry, the focus turns to playoffs. His recruitment is now wrapped up.
"I'm really excited just to get back to my team and focusing more on the team
concept of this game," Henry said. "It feels like a weight has just been lifted
off my shoulders and now I'm all-in and now it's all about Westlake football."
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