2022 Riser: Payton Prep’s Henry Boyer

Walter Payton College Prep has a true hidden gem; in 2022, tight end [player_tooltip player_id="20891" first="Henry" last="Boyer"]. At six foot six, two hundred and thirty-five pounds, Boyer is a punishing run blocker, with a firm punch. He consistently played through the whistle and was always looking for work on-film. He even played on the defensive side as a five-technique, using raw strength to overpower offensive tackles. Despite a tremendous sophomore season, Boyer felt there are some things he can improve on, "It definitely went well, but it also made me realize what I had to strengthen going into my junior season. Getting more explosive and stronger will hopefully lead to a breakout season this coming year." Last fall, Walter Payton College Prep's was one of Illinois' biggest surprises, finishing with an 8-1-1 record and a conference championship. This off-season Head Coach George Klupchak left for Maine West, and former Oak Park-River Forest assistant Craig Knoche was hired to take the reigns. This year's roster and coaching staff will look much different, but that shouldn't stop the Grizzlies, "I think we are looking good going into the season. We lost some playmakers after our senior class graduated, but I am excited for a lot of the younger guys to step up this year." Walter Payton has talented group returning; keep an eye on senior's Eamon Glascott and Joe Saviano; both will play an integral role in the Grizzlies 2020 season. Currently, Boyer himself ranks as the #4 overall tight end in Illinois' 2022 class. He's shown he has an elite mixture of athleticism and toughness, and a few colleges have taken notice, "I have mostly been in contact with Holy Cross and Maryland. There are coaches from all levels that have reached out and followed me on twitter." Boyer is an outstanding student and told me he'd love to attend a high academic institution such as Northwestern, Stanford or Notre Dame. He was born in Portland, Maine, and moved to Illinois when he was three. His east coast roots could make him a natural fit at an Ivy League program. For now, though, he's full go on preparing for his junior season. Despite school closings and gyms not being open, Boyer has been able to stay in shape this offseason, "Lately, I have been lifting and running a lot, trying to get stronger and faster for when we are able to come back. I have also been able to run routes and catch some balls with some of my teammates. Just trying to do everything I can to get better and stay ready." The 2020 season couldn't be here soon enough. Boyer is ready and has high expectations for himself and his team, "I definitely want to win the conference championship, find success in the state playoffs, and prove that high-academic schools from the city can find success and produce college-caliber players." Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id="20891" first="Henry" last="Boyer"] and the Walter Payton College Prep Grizzlies as they look to win their eighth straight conference title.