Western Pennsylvania’s C/O 2027, Off-Season Hype Turned Reality
Jance Henry Jr. PA #8 RB #2 HEIGHT 5'8" WEIGHT 195 POS RB CLASS 2027 View Player Boost Profile Download Image Jance Henry Jr. Class 2027 Position RB Height 5'8" HS Central Valley | PA Western Pennsylvania’s C/O 2027,…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading- t
- 3-sport athlete Wrestling and track
- 3.7 GPA
- 5’8, 190
- holds an offer out of UNLV
Ranked before the season as the third-best back in his class. From what I can tell, he has all the chance in the world to earn that top-back spot when post-season rankings drop. Henry has a mid-season tape showcasing his prowess on both sides of the ball, posted just nine days ago too. Muscular build for a freshman, works in tight two-TE sets. Usually backs with this short of a stride don’t have long speed, Henry Jr. does, seen taking some handoffs 60+ yards to the house while being chased by DBs. Bowling bowl style of running. Marries toughness and speed, the combination has landed him in front of the eyes of FBS programs. Makes fantastic decisions when running off tackle from gun sets, he trusts his vision behind the LOS. Later on tape, you’ll see his abilities at safety. A hammer of a tackler, one who seeks the ball carrier in the same fashion he seeks the hole on offense. Hard to imagine a program like Central Valley deploying a 5’8 freshman safety. In order for this to be the case, they MUST trust him in run support at the very least. He’s certainly earned that. The box-safety position almost looks too easy for this kid. Ball carriers opposite him won’t outrun him, won’t outpower him, so there isn’t a 1v1 that Henry will show hesitance in. Special player, there aren’t 27 kids better than him currently.
Highlights
Didn’t get the chance to see Bishop Canevin during my trip out to Western PA this past weekend, which is a shame. Seeing this kid would have made it worth while, let alone the rest of the studs in Canevin’s corner.
- t
- 6’5, 180
- also a basketball participant
Not positive that he’s a full-time starter on defense yet, tape shows a sprinkle reps aligned at EDGE, as well as some reps on special teams. Barton has some TFLs standing up from his OLB/DE position. Said reps show coaches his potential moving forward. Has a rep blocking in-line, a quality rep I might add. Not a bad start to his HS campaign, here’s hoping he’s learned from everything and can continue developing in the weight room.
Highlights
- t
- measurables are still the same
- 3.5 GPA
- out of the loop as far as who is getting the most playing time at PR.
Gives the illusion that he’s 6’4 the way he sees/scans the field. An incredible understanding of where his targets are going to be and when, 7v7 and heavy work with his PR coaches have him set up this way, complete post-snap awareness. Asked to move out of the pocket to throw often, hits outs and sails well when in flood sets. Smart. calm, poised in and out of the pocket. I imagine he’s calm in the huddle too, which has to surprise some of the champions in that group. Accuracy on out-routes is a plus, love his timing when targeting routes under 15-yards downfield. Is going to have to carry along the measurable questions for the rest of his career, way to early to be harping on this though, what he’s accomplished as a freshman at PR is fascinating to watch from afar. He’s ranked as the seventh best 2027 QB, his play will certainly have him leap-frogging some other underclassmen in his class.
- t
- an October that saw him land FBS offers out of Pitt, Akron, and Penn State
- 3.2 GPA
- now listed at 6’0
I’ve spoken in other pieces about just how impressed I was when watching this kid live Week 0 of this season. Even though I like this young man enough to say he’s a top-three corner in his class, I’m going to have to move him to athlete after watching him work on offense. Usually aligns at back, can run routes, can run inside out, can serve as a wildcat QB when ICA wants to get creative. The offensive production is the cherry on top of the elite reps I see from his slot corner / linebacker position. Fabulous clean-up hitter, an even better 1v1 tackler too. Incredible closing speed to the flats in run support of outside zone sets. Multiple interceptions to his name. Will be hard to keep him out of the top 15 moving forward.
I’m glad we waited on Armand Hill and didn’t rank him too low. I simply didn’t know enough about the young man. UNLV and Penn State certainly have seen enough. Here are some of the stat lines this kid has put up that have caught my eye.
- t
- 14 attempts, 316 yards, 5 TDs
- 499 rushing yards, 5 TDs
I don’t care who the competition is, this is mightily impressive. I’m going to have trouble attempting to pick someone other than Hill when I rework our top running back rankings this post-season. His mid-season was a joy to watch. All of this talk about yardage and his tape shows off his abilities at corner first. Love the complete trust in his own abilities when at corner. There’s hardly any panic to his game because he knows he’s a better athlete than the kid across from him. He’s going to have to keep improving on technique and learn as time progresses, for right now, you’re going to have to out-athlete this kid on the boundaries. good luck with that. Seeing Hill work after interceptions quickly implies he should be used in space on offense, that he is, as Hill is an easy choice to be used out of the backfield if needed. Soft hands to reel in picks and passes. Can serve as a kick and punt return man as well. Love his reaction speed after receiving the handoff, kid makes a decision, usually the right one too. Acceleration skill are at an elite level, angle-breaking acceleration after he hits the second level. Where Jance Henry might be a bit tougher to bring down, Hill is more likely to run past you. Don’t get it twisted though, Hill is equally as tough.
- t
- 3.6 GPA
- 5’11, 175
- touted as the top overall prospect in the preseason.
- holds offers from Wisconsin, Michigan State, Maryland, Penn State, West Virginia, and PItt.
Watched his combined mid-season and weeks 8-9 tapes to finally get an evaluation on one of the best this class has to offer. I try very hard to not exaggerate when I write on kids, for their own good. That being said, there is no question who is the top overall player in this class. I can’t remember the times where I’ve truly felt that teams should seriously gameplan away from a freshman prospect, I’m talking any position. I’m going to do a complete breakdown of this kid’s game at a later date, because this his play is worthy of a complete/solo detailed piece. I have only done those for Omillio Agard and J’Ven Williams. That should give you an idea of the level this kid is at. Based on the tape I have of Moon, I’d bet that he doesn’t move from the top spot two-three years from now either. Again, call it hyperbole, call it too soon, I’m not afraid to call it how I see it. This young man sets the standard at the position. Any and all superlatives are suitable.
- t
- playing freshman ball over at McKeesport
- 6’1, 170
- 3.3 GPA
- 18 total TDs to 3 interceptions
Kid is absolutely elevating over JV corners without breaking a sweat. McKeesport has some studs in front of Robinson, so he’s going to have to wait his turn. I think he’s done enough to earn excitement/trust from the coaching staff. Some of the best high-pointing I’ve seen from a freshman in some time, looks like he’s playing 7v7 the way he can leap and attack the football. His radius extends high above his frame, he’s an easy target for the QB to lob balls up to, but his tape shows a bit more than just a 50/50 ball prospect. Robinson has gotten active in the return game, an area where he could better show off his skills with the ball in his hands. Same goes for reps at Wildcat QB. You can see his stride in these scenarios a bit better than watching him sky for jump balls. Served the single-high safety role. This will likely be the most fun he will have ever had in a HS setting, he’s been toying with kids all season. Excited to see him work and develop this offseason.
- t
- 5’8, 150
- WR/DB
Happy that I got the chance to see Jordan Reid get the opportunity to return a kick at the Westinghouse-USO game this past weekend. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have had much to work off of besides some off-season 7v7 highlights. Thankfully, Reid proved that he could be a viable weapon for Westinghouse moving forward, apparently doing so way before the this weekend’s game. I can’t find much tape on the young man yet so I’ll wait to really dive into his game. I know the kid has potential, he’ll be a name I keep stashed for a bit.
- t
- 5’10
- 3.7 GPA
- Pitt, Marshall, and UNLV have offered.
Kemon Spell was a main draw for me to come out and attend some games out West. I continue to hear Spell’s name pop up with people I talk to in the area, so I wanted to see how special he was for myself. In terms of live evaluations, his RB counterpart stole the show, that being Anthony Boyd, who rushed for 150+ yards in the win against Thomas Jefferson. Kemon certainly had him moments, I was more fond of his build at such a young age over anything he did on the field. Once his full-season tape drops, I can properly dissect his game. One thing’s for sure, this kid’s name will be in the hat for top running back honors this post-season. He’s likely leading that race at the moment.
Roman Thomspon is sitting tight behind an elite linebacker tandem in Cole Sullivan and Anthony Speca, both of which are headed to play Big10 football. Roman Thompson’s work ethic mirrors the two, hard to say that this young man is on the same trajectory as Sullivan and Speca, but I’d call it a similar one. Was going to attend the Gateway-PCC game this past weekend. If I would’ve, I would’ve caught Thompson running for two touchdowns in the blowout win over the Gators. I like Thompson the linebacker, but I’m happy to see him getting tick anywhere he can. He’s a bowling ball out there, hardly any reps on tape where he’s tackled at the first contact. That’s all weight room and hard work. I’m more excited to see how he grows from a technical standpoint, we might not see that growth until his junior year, however. For now, this is a kid Power Five coaches will keep their eye on.
- t
- now at 165 playing weight.
Landon Robinson is making the most out of his opportunities over at West Mifflin. A lot of his midseason tape shows off his abilities at OLB. Showing duality in his play too, being able to cover the pass and stop the run at this age is plus. You can find quality special teams reps, as well as quality blocks when stationed over at WR. We haven’t seen the best version of Robinson just yet, but he’s a freshman, this season is all about learning. I take a second look at the end of the season to see if he’s done enough to get off of our Watchlist.
- t
- 5’9, 160
- 3.9 GPA
- basketball participant
- true athlete
One of the more dynamic playmakers on this list, and that’s saying something. The type of playmaker who demands the ball in the open field, one who can score from pretty much anywhere on the field. Defenses, in particular secondaries, are going to account for his speed and agility. Slot capabilities, kick and punt return capabilities too. Has reps scoring from close to the LOS as well as 30+ yards downfield. Powell has stationed at single-high safety, as well as boundary corner. Fabulous all-around athlete whose presence is already being felt this early into his career, at all three phases of the game at that.
- t
- Sa’Nir Brooks doesn’t have a full or mid-season tape out yet, but I’m not out-of-tune enough to hold it against him. I know Brooks is getting reps and making the most of his opportunities. Freshman withholding this kind of work ethic and god-given ability don’t come around often. Brooks is, just like Thompson, is going to have to wait his turn. I’ll check back in in a couple of weeks. Even if he doesn’t move the needle, I wouldn’t hold it against his current ranking.
- t
- now lists at 5’11, 180
- track & Field participant
- true freshman
- holds offers from Pitt, UNLV, and Akron
Over 1,000 yards worth of offense, 13 scores to his name. Is a two-way star, 40 tackles with a pick to his name on the other side of the football. First rep on tape shows off what he’s capable of in space with the ball in his hands. Obviously, Taylor won’t be able to reverse field three-four times in one rep, he does here and still takes a kickoff back 95 yards. Give him screens, give him swings, give him opportunities at back or wildcat QB and he’ll make it worth your while. Although Spell, Hill, and Henry might all vie for the top running back spot, there might not be a better playmaker among the 30 prospects on this list than Khalil Taylor. Taylor ranks as the third-best ATH in the state, excited to see if his placement will elevate at all. His T&F skills translate and it’s obvious. I’d argue Taylor is the fastest prospect on this list, at the very least, he’s the fastest prospect to hit his second gear in the open field. This kid can flip a switch in a heartbeat. Taylor also provides exemplary safety/DB play to boot.
- t
- now listed at 6’3, 180
- 3.2 GPA
- holds offers from Penn State, UNLV, and Pitt
Currently sits as the second-best freshman wideout in all of Pennsylvania. Regular season highlights dropped today. Likely to take the top wideout spot after this post-season ends, especially with the prospect above him not playing much this season. Even if Cade Cooper had substantial tape, what Carter Bonner is doing much be recognized. Four touchdowns, just under 500 yards of offense, 6 interceptions to his name, 20 tackles to boot. The 6’3 wideout boasts a lengthy stride that reveals itself when attempting to separate. This will likely be his calling card. Pair this with real hand-eye coordination and you’ve got a viable target, one that should exist as the passing attack’s primary weapon. I’ve come across plenty of wideouts with this size, stride, hands. Not all of those guys can play DB at the level Bonner can. Single-high capable, can cover the slot if need be which is very rare for someone his size. A testament to his abilities.
- t
- will certainly hop off the WL after this season ends
- 5’8, 160
No mid-season or full-season tape out of Brodie Cornell, yet he’s got plenty of quality single-game cuts up on tape, lengthy ones too. I will withhold an evaluation until he accumulates his best plays. I recommend he does so ASAP.
Highlights
The third West Mifflin prospect on this list. Most of his production comes against junior varsity competition, yet still impressive nonetheless. I might not equate his production with other varsity QB yet, that doesn’t mean I can’t like Bobo’s trajectory at this point. I’ll take the stats with a grain of salt, I’d put more stock into his size, 6’1, 155, as well as his some of the throws I see on Twitter cut-ups. I won’t do the young man justice by praising him too much this early on. Soon as he gets an opportunity against Varsity competition, I’ll swoop in to see what he’s really about.
Again, I’m continuing to hear great things about Freshman passer Jaydon Oliver in relief of Colt Sprankle at Armstrong. I can’t relay/dissect anything if I don’t have any tape to work with. Oliver’s eval will have to come at a different time.
- t
- 6’1, 170
- true freshman
Took a peek at Lewis’ mid-season tape, a six-minute long one. Blends safety and linebacker well. Is often stationed as the safety alongside Carter Bonner, one that can rotate down into the box and be a real factor in run support. Good read & react ability to passes thrown in curl/flat zones in his area. Can be a lot to handle when coming downhill. A trustworthy tackler this early into his HS career, huge positive. Runs to the football, good motor on his for a DB. Still might be trying to carve out a role for himself on offense, this could always come at a later date. Will likely be ranked as a DB moving forward. Although I see him as a run-supporting safety, the young man is athletic enough to handle some speed in the slot, he’s physical enough to handle pressure from bigger TEs too. This reveals itself when at boundary corner or in the slot.
Highlights
Yet another Westinghouse freshman on this list. Right now, Westinghouse has a number of backs they could feed the ball to. Whether it be top back Ty Abrams, QB Khalil Green, or even DB Kyshawn Robinson, Westinghouse has a real stable they can tap into when attempting to run the ball down someone’s throat. In the game I attended, the feature back was Abrams, with freshman Laimon Bates getting his name called a couple of times to my knowledge. Bates’ 2-8 Week tape shows that he could be in the same conversation with the likes of Hill, Spell, and Henry. It’s just a matter of opportunity at the moment. He’s done enough to get off of the Watchlist.
Highlights
Went a while without any sort of tape out of Kaleem Taylor. Still no mid-season or full-season tape out. Thankfully some single-game cut-ups can now be found scattered throughout his tape. I won’t provide an eval until a full tape is compiled, however. An eval will come at a later date.
- t
- playing weight up to 160 now
- currently ranked as the second-highest defensive back
Sadly, no mid-season or full-season tape out of Seton LaSalle’s top defensive back. There are some cut-ups, yet I can’t base an evaluation off of this. I’ll keep my eye out on a prospect I’m very much fond of.
Highlights
- t
- a prospect who could see a big jump on our rankings.
- 5’11, 150
- 3.5 GPA
- 3-sport ATH
Checked out his two-minute mid-season tape, was pleased. Might be the best pure corner in this list. I’d group Gabriel Jenkins, Carter Bonner as “ATH”s, Gleason, who is wideout capable, is likely to jump on the DB rankings after watching his mid-season. Excels in off-man coverage, sees the football well on it’s way down. Liken his abilities best when he’s playing outside the numbers. Awesome read and reactor to the flat, whether that be containing the edge or attacking screens to the flat. Gleason might be the biggest surprise pre-season to now. I’m a bigger fan than I was months ago.
- t
- joins Javien Robinson and Kemon Spell as McKeesport athletes on this list
- playing freshman ball
Good ying to Javien’s yang. This is the playmaker that is set for varsity football next Fall, one that the McKeesport coaching staff could likely get creative with. End-arounds, sweeps, screens, this will likely be his role early on in his career. JV ball has him scoring from a myriad of routes, but we can’t always assume this will translate to varsity ball. One thing’s for sure, this kid has speed to his name. I hope he participates in Track & Field, could do wonders for his stock in the future.
- t
- now listed at 6’3, 190
- his first-three was enough to get him ranked in my eyes, this eval will highlight what I see from his 4-8.
Waynesburg Central’s Jack Ricciuti continues to wow in terms of high-pointing the football. 6’3, big-bodied freshman who is already seen stacking and making things difficult for DBs before the catch point. I stress the “before” part. Ricciuti isn’t blindly elevating over JV kids who have no shot, this is varsity ball where he’s going to have to use more than his athleticism to win against some DBs on the other side. Stacking, hand-fighting, all of this turns the 50/50 ball to 60/40 in his favor. Loving his usage, he isn’t just a goal-line or outside-the-numbers guy, WC gets him involved in the slot, gets him involved under 15 yards too. I see some TE chip & release screens called for him in tight too. This is all good for him to soak up early. He’s a hands catcher, one that doesn’t let the ball hit his chest. Not horrible YAC ability, I think he could be better since he’s only 190 pounds, he runs well without the ball though. Excited to finally get him ranked, as he is currently on WL.
- t
- 6’1, 165
- 4.0 GPA
With 30+ names on this list, there aren’t that many QBs on it that really excite you outside of Aaron Strader. Jaivin Peel is the only other name to cross my mind at the moment. Good size, hard worker, very high chance he comes off the WL moving forward. Better than anything, real, tangible varsity production. 28 TDs at Western Beaver, eclipsing the 2,400-yard mark while he was at it. Little bit of a unique delivery, one that works. Peel keeps that off-arm tight to the ribcage, which is a plus for most quarterbacks. A ton of throwing-arm extension with his front foot firmly planted in the dirt. I have to remind myself often that this is Peel’s first year and he’s already looking better than some sophomore and junior passers that I know. I want to nitpick at Peel’s game because he’s got real potential to be special down the line. Awesome to see his off-season work translate onto the field. He’s put together a special freshman tape, that’s something he can work on heading into the next long off-season.
Highlights
Cut-ups, no full varisty or JV tape. Will wait for a later date to provide real evaluation.
PCC’s offensive line unit is set, both Jon Sassic and Jimmy Kalis will have to wait there turns. This is all based on their Hudl’s having zero tape at the moment. These names will obviously hold future stock, right now, it’s tough to evaluate properly. We will do so in time.
PCC’s offensive line unit is set, both Jon Sassic and Jimmy Kalis will have to wait there turns. This is all based on their Hudl’s having zero tape at the moment. These names will obviously hold future stock, right now, it’s tough to evaluate properly. We will do so in time.
Highlights
The story is the same for PCC’s Max Roman. Can’t realistically expect him to make an impact at this point in his career on an absolutely loaded Central Catholic team. That’s okay, he might have to drop to the WL if we can’t find JV or relief reps in blowouts. It hardly changes what I think about the young man, yet we have to reflect what we see, not off-season hype. I have no doubt that this kid is special, just a matter of seeing it first.