BREAKING: Wayne Henry, Class of 2026 DB from Maryland, commits to Auburn
Class of 2026 defensive back Wayne Henry has committed to Auburn.
Henry, who attends St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Md., announced his decision Monday on social media. He chose Auburn over several other early offers, including LSU, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida, Penn State, Michigan State and Boston College.
Henry committed to Auburn despite having yet to visit. Two big reasons for his decision is defensive coordinator DJ Durkin and safeties coach Charles Kelly.
“The conversations I had with them, the culture that they are building is about working hard, winning and family,” he said. “That is where I want to be, a school like that.”
Henry has had several conversations with both coaches.
“I have met Coach Kelly twice,” he said. “He came to our school when he first got to Auburn and then he came back again. I think he is a great person. He likes to work and compete.
“Coach Durkin, he is the one I called and told I was committing. He was very excited for me to commit.”
Teammates played big role in Henry’s commitment
Two other big reasons are teammates Blake Woodby and Bryce Deas. The pair of Class of 2025 recruits are committed to Auburn.
“They are going to be there, so why not continue playing with them in college,” Henry said. “They told me Auburn is a great place, said it’s like St. Frances and that I would love it.”
“We all can’t wait to get to Auburn. I’m going to get down for a game. We’re all planning on coming together.”
Smith, who is currently 5-foot-9 1/2 and 170 pounds, said people have compared his size and playing style to Arizona Cardinals defensive back Budda Baker.
“People compare me a lot to (Baker),” Henry said. “I’m built like him with his size, willingness to tackle and fearlessness on the field.”
With Henry, Deas and Woodby now all committed to Auburn, the three have their sights set on one more teammate, Class of 2025 defensive tackle Darrion Smith.
Smith is currently committed to Tennessee, but “we’re working on him hard,” Henry said.
Henry is the sixth commitment for Auburn in the 2026 class, a group currently ranked No. 2 in the country by the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking.
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