Things developed quickly between USC and OT Cason Henry (6-6 290) of Marietta, GA. He took an unofficial visit Thursday where he met extensively with head coach Shane Beamer and offensive line coach Greg Adkins. Two days later, he’s a Gamecock. Henry announced his commitment Saturday afternoon after committing on the phone to Beamer Friday night.
Henry becomes the 8th commitment for Beamer’s 2022 class, and he said the biggest reason he chose the Gamecocks over offers from Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Mississippi State, Purdue, Kansas, Maryland, NC State and others, was Beamer himself.
“I haven’t met coaches anywhere else that I clicked so well with,” Henry said. “Coach Beamer was the most approachable head coach that I’ve ever talked to. He struck me as a normal guy who is also a head coach. I went to Georgia, and Kirby Smart is like unapproachable. And Mike Leach (Mississippi State) is unapproachable. I feel like I can talk to Coach Beamer on a level of a normal human being while also respecting him as a head coach which is a very unique blend I haven’t found anywhere else.”
Also working heavily into his decision was the playing opportunity he sees for himself with the Gamecocks.
“Coach Adkins said I have a good chance to play as a true freshman because they need tackles,” Henry said. “He said I’m physically developed enough to where I have a chance to play my freshman year. That struck me as an awesome opportunity to play SEC football as a true freshman. Not many people can do that. He said he needs tackles, he’s only recruiting tackles this year. We’ve already got me and Grayson Mains, and he’s going for another one. He said I’m more physically developed than the other two and I have a good chance to start my true freshman year. I’m just going to keep working, stay on my grind and hopefully it will come true.”
Henry also visited North Carolina, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss, Louisville and NC State this month. Both of his parents went to Georgia, and he grew up a Bulldog fan, but Georgia never offered.
Henry is rated a three-star in the 247Sports Composite and is ranked the #75 offensive tackle nationally in the class.
Beamer Saturday afternoon issued another of his commitment alerts which may be connected to CB Karon Prunty, the Kansas transfer who plans to announce at 6:00 PM Saturday between the Gamecocks and Tennessee. Beamer has three other commitments from prospects who have not yet gone public.
USC 2022 commitments:
- GRAYSON MAINS OT 6-5 265 SUWANEE, GA
- BRADEN DAVIS QB 6-5 185 MIDDLETOWN, DE
- DONOVAN WESTMORELAND LB 6-2 195 GRIFFIN, GA
- KAJUAN BANKS CB 5-10 170 TALLAHASSEE
- JY’VONTE MCCLENDON SAF 6-2 180 LAKELAND, FL
- JAMAAL WHYCE DT 6-4 250 MIAMI
- PEYTON WILLIAMS SAF 6-0 180 ROCKLEDGE, TX
- CASON HENRY OT 6-6 290 MARIETTA, GA
