Tennessee can never have enough linebackers in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme. The Vols will likely have anywhere between 8-12 linebackers on the roster moving forward as long as they’re in that 3-4 defensive mold. And on Wednesday, the Vols sent out a scholarship offer to the top linebacker prospect in the junior college ranks.
Lakia Henry picked up an offer from Tennessee on Wednesday, tweeting out that he was “extremely blessed and honored” to receiver the offer from Pruitt and the Vols.
Extremely Blessed And Honored To Receive Another Offer From The University Of Tennessee !!!!? #GoVols !!⭐? pic.twitter.com/OrCHCV1ork
— Lakia Henry (@Lakia_henry_4) February 22, 2018
Tennessee may be the most recent school to send out an offer to Henry, but they’re far from the first. Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and others have all offered Henry. The 247Sports rankings have Henry as the No. 2 overall JUCO player in the 2019 class and the No. 1 inside linebacker in the cycle. He currently plays for Dodge City Community College but is originally from Georgia.
At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Henry already has the size to play linebacker in the SEC. And his film shows that he has the skill set to come in and play right away for whoever lands his signature.
Henry’s highlight film shows off his elite awareness and displays his incredible ability to pursue a ball carrier. He’s a sure tackler who knows how to read offenses, and he’s effective in pass coverage as well. He’s not just a one trick pony in other words. Henry is very athletic and is probably capable of playing more than just one position in the 3-4 defense as well.
In his first season with Dodge City, Henry amassed 110 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a pass breakup according to KJCCC.com.
The Vols will need some instant impact players at linebacker in 2019 as they will be replacing Darrin Kirkland Jr. and likely Daniel Bituli assuming he goes pro early. Lakia Henry should be able to come in and find playing time immediately on the Vols’ roster and has what it takes to even come in and be a Day 1 starter.
