Video recap: Penn State lands four-star running back Alvin Henderson
The Penn State Nittany Lions recruiting Class of 2025 got a new inductee this week. Four-star running back from Alabama, Alvin Henderson, committed to the Lions over Auburn. Recruiting insider Ryan Snyder discusses the road from Elba, AL to Happy Valley for the 5-9 running back and how he fits into the class. Hear Snyder’s breakdown of Henderson’s recruitment on our breaking news video embedded in this article, or on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel.
Penn State loading up on running backs
Penn State running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider is on an impressive run of commitments over the last several cycles. Not only did he land two highly-regarded prospects in 2024 with Quinton Martin and Corey Smith, but he’s now added three to the Class of 2025. Dating back to 2023, the team has seven running back commits. That number rises to eight when you include 2026 runner Messiah Mickens, who committed last year.
So, where does Henderson fit into that picture? Snyder explains how Henderson fits with Kiandrea Barker and Tiwquai Hayes in this cycle. He also explains how Penn State fought hard for Henderson, convincing the Alabama native to visit the program this spring and put off a decision.
“When I was a freshman, I was like, I want offers, and as the process goes on, eventually, you have to make a decision, and I’m at that point now,” Henderson said on On3’s Five Star Flex with Philip Dukes. “I visited everywhere I had in my top five, I’ve talked to all the coaches multiple times, and now I’m at the point where it’s time for me to go where I feel wanted and where, also, I’m going to fit well system wise and somewhere I’m at home.”
A done deal?
Snyder discusses the dispartiy between On3’s ranking of Henderson and the national composite ranking. Then, we look at his highlight film to understand a bit better what the 200-pound runner brings to the team.
Henderson’s commitment also has an uncommon wrinkle among Penn State recruits. He’s publicly said he plans to take his official visits this summer. So, how does that shake out? We’ll discuss why the team is likely allowing this situation to unfold where it usually does not.
Finally, we conclude the video by discussing the class’ overall makeup and personality. We also preview the upcoming positions Snyder feels good about and which ones he has concerns with.
