Signed: Avery Henry can begin developmental path for Buckeyes

The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2022 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Avery Henry has signed with the Buckeyes.

COLUMBUS — Avery Henry is the biggest prospect Ohio State has in its 2022 recruiting class.

The massive offensive tackle took an unconventional route to get to the Buckeyes class. Now he’s officially signed into it.

What does this addition do for Ohio State? Let’s break it down.

Who is Avery Henry?

Avery Henry is a 6-foot-6, 325-pound offensive tackle who committed to Ohio State on Oct. 20, 2021 after decommitting from Iowa State.

On3 Consensus Ranking: 772 overall, 51 OT, 24 Ohio
On3 Ranking: 77 OT, 35 Ohio
Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio
High School: St. Clairsville

Scouting summary: When we say Avery Henry is big, we mean he’s big big. Henry stands in at just about 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, but he weighed nearly 400 pounds just a year ago. His junior film showed some athleticism on both sides of the football even with the extra weight, and his senior game tape is what caught the attention of Ohio State. …

The size of Avery Henry, combined with a raw athleticism that’s unusual for a player with his frame, is an interesting combination. That’s why Iowa State, a program that’s always looking for under-the-radar talent in Ohio, accepted a commitment from him before his senior season began. Offensive line is still a developmental position, and there’s no doubt that the best-case scenario for both Henry and Ohio State is that he gets himself to campus and begins learning the ins and outs of the game without the pressure of playing too much, too early. – Jeremy Birmingham, Lettermen Row

How did Henry end up at Ohio State?

Just two years ago, Avery Henry was 6-foot-7 and 380 pounds, clearly too heavy for his own good. He wasn’t able to finish workouts with his team due to his weight.

But then the offensive tackle dedicated himself to working on his weight. He earned scholarship offers and committed to Iowa State in June of 2021 after leaning out and becoming a legitimate Division 1 prospect.

After backing off that pledge to the Cyclones in September, Henry earned an offer from the in-state Buckeyes. He committed just two days after receiving that offer. Now he’s officially in the class as part of Greg Studrawa’s developmental program at offensive line.