Quarterbacks are going quickly in the 2016 recruiting cycle, and Florida State got one of the best in five-star Malik Henry. The recent transfer to the Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy proved that again Sunday at the Nike Opening Atlanta Regional Camp, where he competed in the Elite 11 Regional, earning an invite to the finals in Oregon.
In the video above, the five-star recruit discusses his relationship with Florida State's coaching staff, baseball, and who he is trying to recruit to Tallahassee.
Observations
During the camp, Henry was clearly the best quarterback and won the QB MVP. He is not physically imposing, but the balls that shoot off his hand sure are. Henry has a strong arm, but I wouldn't describe it as a cannon. I figure it will get stronger as he fills out, as he is a skinny 6'3, 188. What is really impressive about Henry is where he throws the ball: it's right on the money. It seemed like every throw had the right amount of velocity and arc, hitting receivers in stride. Henry is silky smooth in his delivery. Of course, that is what should be expected from elite quarterbacks in a setting where they are not being rushed, but many struggle with it, particularly when being put through drills designed to make them uncomfortable. And Henry, a California/Florida kid did it in wet, windy, cold conditions.
Henry told me that he has been focusing mostly on baseball, but did take some time recently to prep for this Elite 11 event. He's also been bothered by hip and back issues, one of which might have caused the other, he thinks, but indicated he is doing better.
I think Henry deserves to be in the conversation for the best QB prospect in the country, along with a few others. And in comparison to the prospects FSU has signed recently (J.J. Cosentino, De'Andre Johnson and Deondre Francois), I can say that Henry is clearly better than them at the same stages in their careers, though all are talented and that does not mean Henry is going to be destined to step on campus and beat them out immediately.