Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arkansas LB Kaden Henley Gives Insight on Razorbacks Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Working in defensive coordinator Barry Odom’s scheme, the Arkansas Razorbacks had two of the most active linebackers in the nation during the 2020 season seeing one of them, Grant Morgan, finishing three tackles shy (111) of leading the nation despite playing in two fewer games than the tied leaders. With the announcement of Kaden Henley staying in-state to play for the Hogs in college, that fierce play in the box has promise to continue against SEC teams.
From the jump, Shiloh Christian new they had something special on their hands entering the 2020 season. After transferring from Lawton, Oklahoma, Henley applied his trade at middle linebacker for the Saints helping his squad to a 14-1 record the wrapped hoisting the 4A Arkansas state championship trophy. The 6-2.5, 225-pound, linebacker was the tone setter on defense recording 159 total tackles, 106 solo, with an impressive 26 tackles for a loss, four sacks, four picks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three blocked punts, and even scored a defensive touchdown.
With Henley’s verbal commitment, the Razorbacks now have seven players attached to the 2022 recruiting class. For an inside look on how the Hogs closed on their seventh player in the latest haul, Henley stopped by the RNG Lab for another conversation.
*Click the link for the Jan. 3, 2021, RNG interview with Kaden Henley
Interview
Kaden, congratulations on your commitment to Arkansas.
Thank you.
If you will, walk us through the recruiting process between you and the Razorbacks’ coaching staff from initial interest in you to the offer.
The Razorbacks were my sixth offer, but were the second school to show interest in me. Throughout the process they reached out a lot. They reached out to me first, I think, in early January.
When talking to their coaches, what did they tell you they like about your style of play?
They like my physicality, my size, and my effort on the field.
How do they see you fitting into their defensive scheme?
They want me to do what I am at Shiloh right now. They want me to play middle linebacker, be a force against the run while establishing a physical presence on their defense.
Through the process, was there a point where you started to lean from heavy interest to being ready to commit?
The offered me about 2:30 in the afternoon, I went home and talked to my dad. We about it. I committed in about four hours, but I had decided within three hours. I announced it at 9:30. It took about six hours in all after waiting for the edit.
Which coach on the roster got the good news?
Their linebackers’ coach and I connected after my practice; we Facetimed. He said I want to be your coach; I said I wanted to commit. When I told him I wanted to commit, he ran to Coach (Barry) Odom (DC) and asked me to repeat what I just said. Then he had me call Coach (Sam) Pittman (HC) and tell him. I actually committed to each one of them.
That moment before making the call, what was going through your mind?
When we Facetimed, I was excited and ready to post it. I was ready for the edit so it would be official.
With your commitment public, are you helping bring other players to the 2022 class?
I am trying to bring as many as I can. I want a great class. All of the committed players, we are all trying to bring all the people we can to bring in a great class. We have a great one now, we are ranked 19th.
What’s your pitch to those players?
Something special is going on here, you need to be a part of it.
I like it. Let’s switch gears to close out. How are the offseason workouts coming along?
They are going great. Everyone is working their tail off. We are trying to repeat next year.
What have you been focused on with your fundamentals so far?
There are always things to work on. I am trying to become the best player I can in every aspect of the game.
Kaden, I appreciate you sharing insight on your commitment to the Razorbacks. Wishing you continued success preparing for your senior season.
Thank you, sir.
Henley’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Air Force, Army, Liberty, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico, and Pittsburg State
Photo credit: Henley family; Kaden Henley