Scarlet Sunrise: Avery Henry medically retiring from football after cancer battle

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Buckeyes lineman Avery Henry medically retiring from football after cancer battle

Ohio State coach Ryan Day met with the media during Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, and he had some tough news to share about a young Buckeyes offensive lineman.

Second-year offensive lineman Avery Henry has medically retired from football after a battle with cancer, which is now in remission.

Day made sure to mention that Henry will remain with the Buckeyes program despite not being able to play football.

Henry took to Twitter to share the news on Wednesday, as well.

“I’ve been dreading this post for awhile but it has to be done,” Henry said in a tweet Wednesday. “As many of you have asked “can you return to football” and the quick and easy response is no. Osteosarcoma/Chemo Takes a lot from you. Medical doctors have told me they wouldn’t clear me and It’s extremely dangerous.

“I appreciate the support everyone has given through this trying time. I will continue to be at the facility and team events! The fight is never over. We as lovers of this great game stand united through whatever happens! Go bucks!!”

The good news for Avery Henry is that his cancer is in remission, despite the fight not being over as he said. But he won’t be able to continue his football career with the Buckeyes after medically retiring from the sport.

Henry joined the team last June as a late addition to Ohio State’s 2022 class. The 6-foot-6 offensive lineman was a three-star prospect coming out of St. Clairsville, Ohio, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which also rated him as the No. 51 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 23 overall prospect in Ohio last cycle.

Henry didn’t record a snap his freshman season, which he ultimately redshirted. So he still has four years of eligibility remaining, but it’s yet to be announced if he’ll be cleared to play in 2023.

ICYMI: Lettermen Row video interview with Ohio State coach Ryan Day

Ohio State coach Ryan Day was led around to make various appearances on radio shows and video networks from across the college football landscape.

One of those stops along the way was with Lettermen Row.

The Buckeyes fifth-year head coach joined the show just before taking the podium for his 45-minute breakout session at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, and there was plenty for Lettermen Row to ask him as he looks back at his first four years and ahead to his fifth season at the helm of the program.

Also in the video: Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook, Andy Backstrom and Tim May are back on the road as Lettermen Row was present at Day One of Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. The crew breaks down what it heard from the Ohio State players, as well as head coach Ryan Day! Watch here or on the Lettermen Row Youtube channel, and make sure to subscribe to that channel for more Buckeyes breakdown videos.

Ryan Day shares positive update ahead of training camp next week

Day addressed the question of injuries — or lack thereof — as the Buckeyes prepare to open camp later next week. Ohio State was without eight scholarship players for spring practice a few months ago. All of them are back to full strength, including a wild card at running back.

“Evan Pryor, full go,” Day said.

Ohio State will have a nearly full roster heading into camp. The only exceptions are veteran walk-on wide receiver Reis Stocksdale, who tore his ACL this offseason and will be out until bowl practice, and Zak Herbstreit, who suffered a medical incident and will be out indefinitely.

The other announcement Day made was that Grant Toutant, a senior reserve offensive lineman, is medically retiring from football.

Miss any of the coverage from Lettermen Row so far? We’ve got you covered.

READ: Quick-hitters from Ryan Day Big Ten Media Days press conference

WATCH: Ryan Day press conference at Big Ten Media Days

READ: Gene Smith, Buckeyes more motivated than ever to beat Michigan

READ: Marvin Harrison Jr. envisioning return trip to Indy for B1G title game

READ: With potential unlocked, J.T. Tuimoloau shooting for more consistency

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 37 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 122 days

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