2024 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Central Valley’s Jance Henry Jr.

By: Matthew Purucker
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 | 2:43 PM

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A breakout season might be in the making for Jance Henry Jr. in 2024.

It has been a nearly nonstop grind this offseason for the sophomore Central Valley running back. Going from workout to workout, he has been a workhorse.

“Summer training (has) been going well,” Henry said. “Just been staying active every day moving towards the start of the season.”

Henry received two significant honors this offseason. He was named running back MVP of the Rivals Camp Series Indianapolis and underclassman running back MVP of the 2024 2Tenths Top 150 Camp. The latter was a showcase of 150 of the best high school players in the greater Allegheny region.

I earned RB MVP at @210ths Top 150 Camp today . Thank you @210ths and @7Twice I’ll be back next year. @CoachLyonsCVfb @PA_TodaySports @wpialsportsnews @The_Gud_Guy @theking1 pic.twitter.com/c9nPnkp5QA

— Jance Henry Jr (@jance_jr) July 14, 2024

Henry said his performance at the camps reflected his mentality of simply focusing on training and letting the results speak for themselves.

Central Valley coach Mark Lyons likes that about Henry.

“He brought a work ethic, a mindset that nobody is gonna outwork him,” Lyons said. “He’s brought that mentality to our program.”

An all-Parkway Conference selection at running back last season, Henry has picked up significant interest from Division I programs. He holds 13 offers, including eight from Power 4 schools, and he is far from making a decision.

“The recruiting process has been fun. It’s really nice being in the (position) where I am able to visit all these schools and learn more about the programs as a whole for the future,” Henry said.

As heat week approaches, Henry has the confidence necessary to enjoy a successful 2024 campaign, believing his training has set him up for great accomplishments.

“The goals for this season (are) to get somewhere in that 2,000-yard range, but (I want) to ultimately get to the state championship game in December,” Henry said. “This season I (am) looking to improve more on my long runs. I feel I need more breakaways this year as a running back.”

Henry crossed the 1,000-yard mark as a freshman last year and tallied 13 touchdowns. If he can break open more big runs and take on a larger workload, it seems plausible he and the Warriors can achieve all their desires.

While nearly doubling his output from last season might seem ambitious, Lyons said Henry can be the bellcow for an aspiring Central Valley team.

“I’m excited about Jance. He’s put on about five to eight pounds of good weight,” Lyons said. “His durability level has been off the charts.”

Jance Henry Jr.

Central Valley

Sophomore

5-foot-8/195 pounds

Position: RB / KR

Stars: Unranked

Committed to: Undecided

Division I offers: Akron, Connecticut, Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, Mississippi, North Carolina State, Pitt, Syracuse, Toledo, UCF, UNLV, West Virginia, Wisconsin

2023 statistics: 144 carries for 1,028 yards (7.14 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns; 3 catches for 52 yards (17.3 yards per catch)

Hudl: Freshman Season Highlights

Tags: Central Valley