Originally published Feb. 7, 2008 in the Omaha World-Herald
Did you know?
Henry was the first member of the 2006 Nebraska recruiting class before going the juco route. A two-time state wrestling finalist at Omaha Burke, Henry took home the gold at heavyweight in the 2006 Nebraska state meet.
Coachspeak
"Nebraska was obviously in the back of his mind. It's where his heart has always been." Mike Shafer, North Dakota State College of Science offensive coordinator
The gurus say
While there was not as much hype around his second tour of recruiting with NU, the three-star bruiser could be a versatile addition on the offensive line. Injuries forced him to play more at the tackle position then he ever had, something that shouldn't hurt his chances at immediate playing time.
About Henry
As one of six Nebraska natives in the 2008 signing class, NU "never really left my mind," Henry said of the entire process. After making a mark on defense in high school with 84 tackles, including 27 tackles for loss as a senior, and another 107 tackles during his junior season, Henry signed with the Huskers in 2006 but failed to qualify academically. He said he's been motivated to get the books in order, and now he becomes NU's first scholarship recruit from Omaha Burke since 1995.
Our take
His fiery attitude should fit in well with Pelini and his staff. As Shafer put it, "He wants to kill you every time. I think people in Nebraska know that Ricky's got a real mean streak on the field, and he's even stepped it up a notch further."
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Originally published Feb. 2, 2006 in the Omaha World-Herald
Did you know?: The first member of this recruiting class, Henry committed to the Huskers last March on the spot after he received a scholarship offer from coach Bill Callahan at an NU spring practice.
Coachspeak: "I thought he was one of the most physically talented people that we've played against, period, in the last 12 years of Class A football." -- Lincoln Southwest coach Mark King
What the gurus say: Rivals.com rated Henry as the nation's No. 7 prospect at center.
About Henry: One Metro Conference coach said he thought Henry was better during his junior season than as a senior. No disrespect intended; Henry was that good even before last fall. In fact, Henry bullied opposing linemen from the time he debuted on the Burke varsity late in his freshman season. "He was never intimidated," Bulldogs coach Jack Oholendt said. "It was just the opposite. He was always mentally ready to compete at this level." Henry's quick adjustment three years ago should bode well for his ability to make the transition to Division I-A football. "I think he's one of the best down people that we've seen in years," Millard North coach Fred Petito said. "His motor goes really good. He's a load, man. He's aggressive and he's tough." Henry must continue to improve academically during the next 3.5 months in order to avoid junior college. "He's got a plan he needs to follow," Oholendt said, "and we've got a lot of people to help him."
How we see it: If Henry qualifies academically and if he learns to keep his emotions in check on the field, he's potentially a star at NU. Few offensive linemen can play as freshmen. Physically, Henry could do it. Plus, he won't be intimidated.