Auburn is bolstering its No. 1-ranked 2026 recruiting class with senior security Wayne Henry saying his dedication to the Tigers on Monday.
The St. Francis School (Baltimore, Md.) standout has grow to be Auburn’s sixth participant within the 2026 cycle and the primary defensive again in that group. He joins four-star defensive finish Hezekiah Harris, four-star linebacker Shadarius Tudle, four-star linebacker JaMychal Garrett, four-star vast receiver Denaris · Grey and four-star offensive lineman Kyle Ellis.
Whereas he is nonetheless a good distance from signing a Nationwide Letter of Intent for the 2026 recruits, Henry feels now could be the proper time for him to make his determination to commit. His relationship with the Auburn workers and his perception within the head coach Hugh Freeze Beneath building is why Henry felt compelled to decide to the Tigers.
“I selected Auburn due to the tradition and the setting,” Henry instructed Opponent. “It is a successful tradition, a household and a tradition that works. As a 26-year-old participant, why would I wish to commit now? I really feel like now could be the suitable time. It isn’t too early. , it isn’t too late, so I really feel like, proper now, it is the suitable time to commit.
As soon as on campus, Henry will play beneath defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Freeze DJ DurkinAffiliate Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach Charles Kellycornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff and different coaches.
Henry has a detailed relationship with Kelly, who shall be his place coach at Auburn.
“Coach Kelly, that is my man,” Henry stated. “We speak loads, in order that’s one thing near my coronary heart, Coach Kelly.”
Henry is not simply linked to the teaching workers, although. Two of Henry’s teammates at St. Francis, four-star cornerback Blake Woodby and four-star linebacker Bryce Deese, have dedicated to Auburn’s top-five class of 2025.
Henry has a detailed relationship with Woodby and Deese and appears ahead to enjoying with them on the faculty degree sooner or later.
“That is my man,” Henry stated of Woodby. “We play on the identical (highschool) group. We now have relationship, so we’d as properly take it to the following degree with (Woodby) and Bryce Deese.”
Whereas Henry was primarily recruited by Auburn as a security and nickelback, he gives versatility within the secondary and might play a number of positions.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Henry might have to realize some weight earlier than reaching the school degree, however he’s wholesome and a keen, sturdy tackler in run assist. He combines his aggressiveness with pace and protection capacity to make performs down the sphere as a defender.
When requested to explain his recreation, Henry stated: “I am bodily, I am quick and I am aggressive. “I’ve obtained abilities too. So, like I can do every part on the pitch – I can play corners. , security, nickel. I can play man protection (in protection), or I can play within the field, I can do something on the sphere at a excessive degree.
Henry is ranked No. 6 general in Maryland and the No. 46 security within the 2026 cycle.
He additionally acquired further scholarship gives from Boston School, Florida, LSU, Maryland, MSU, Penn State, Tennessee and others.
Apparently, Henry has but to go to Auburn, however he plans to take action within the close to future. Nonetheless, Kelly and different Auburn coaches have visited him at St. Francis, and he is in common communication with Kelly.
Henry would additionally like to precise his gratitude to his mom (Katoya), his brothers (Makai, Tuin and Amir), his cousin (codename “X”) and his coaches for serving to him throughout the recruiting course of and assist him.
