On the surface level, the Bruins made an odd offer this week. After making several offers this week, the Bruins extended one to Chris Henry Jr., a commit to the Ohio State University. But peeling back the paper reveals why the Bruins may have thrown their hat into the ring.
Henry Jr., a 6′ 5″ five-star recruit from Santa Ana, California, plays for the national juggernaut Mater Dei High. Ranked third in the nation by MaxPreps, Mater Dei is one of the premier teams in all of high school football.
Though prying Henry Jr. away from the Buckeyes seems unlikely, the local connections run deep with the Bruins. Head coach DeShaun Foster is a native of Tustin in Orange County, a stone’s throw from Santa Ana.
Blessed to receive an offer from University California Los Angeles!! @MDFootball | @EBieniemy | @ChadSimmons_ | @TomLoy247 pic.twitter.com/LWe3WsQRSS
— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) May 15, 2024
If there are any doubts that the 2026 recruit has about Ohio State, with head coach Ryan Day potentially being in the hot seat, Foster and the Bruins present a strong alternative.
Close to home with a revamped coaching staff, do not be surprised if the buzz surrounding Henry Jr. and the Bruins continues to grow in the near future.