Penn State lands Class of 2025 tight end Matt Henderson
Penn State has landed a new commitment in the Class of 2025. Powhatan, Va., tight end Matt Henderson picked the Nittany Lions on Wednesday night. The 6-foot-5, 208-pound prospect did so after a slew of visits earlier this year that took him not only to State College but also to Purdue, Michigan State, James Madison, Maryland, Old Dominion, and Coastal Carolina. He had two official visits set, one to see head coach James Franklin’s team on June 7 and another to see the Spartans later in the month. That return trip to East Lansing is no longer expected to be on the docket.
“I want to give my sincere appreciation to all the amazing people who have made me into the person and player l am today, including my parents, family, friends and coaches, along with a great community behind me,” Henderson wrote on Twitter to announce his commitment. “Without their guidance and efforts, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dreams doing what I love.”
Henderson is the Nittany Lions’ 13th verbal commitment in this cycle. He joins a group on offense that includes quarterback Bekkem Kritza, running backs Alvin Henderson, Kiandrea Barker and Tiqwai Hayes, wide receiver Lyrick Samuel, athlete Brady O’Hara and offensive linemen Owen Aliciene, Michael Troutman. O’Hara is currently rated as a tight end but will possibly move to offensive tackle at the next level.
Tracking Matt Henderson’s path to a Penn State commitment
Henderson took his first visit to Penn State last October for the Lions’ win over Indiana. He was then back on campus again in January. The Virginia native did not hold an offer, however, until late April. The chance to play for the Nittany Lions came a couple of days after Lions tight ends coach Ty Howle stopped at Powhatan High to see the senior-to-be during the spring contact period.
“I’ve been keeping in contact with coach Howle,” Henderson told BWI in April. A lot of coaches want to make sure that I have the blocking capabilities they are looking for. I’ve been working on them and staying in touch. Coach Howle came to school and watched me work out and went back to discuss with the other coaches. Then a day later I get the call.
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“Penn State was really the first school to start the recruiting process for me,” said Henderson. “It’s been a long journey and very thorough which I appreciate greatly. Penn State’s transparency and dedication during a time where I was completely under the radar was really impressive. Penn State obviously has produced some really fantastic tight ends, so it means a lot to be offered at that position.”
Things moved quickly between the two sides as each moved the other up their proverbial list of favorites. It all culminated with Wednesday’s commitment.
“The relationship I have developed with Coach Howle is really great,” Henderson said. “Transforming from the receiver position, he’s helped me to start my learning process. I’m very grateful for the support and belief the staff had and has in me. I’m extremely excited, I’ve been working hard to make myself available for the opportunity I was granted. It’s Big Ten football, it doesn’t get much better than that.”
