Alabama Snags JUCO Star Kevonte Henry in Major Flip

​In a significant boost to their 2025 recruiting class, the Alabama Crimson Tide secured a commitment from standout junior college defensive lineman Kevont’e Henry. Henry, who previously pledged to Mississippi State, flipped his commitment to Alabama following an official visit to Tuscaloosa. This acquisition underscores Alabama’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its defensive lineup with top-tier talent.​Alabama Athletics+2Saturday Down South+2Sportskeeda+2SI+4Rivals: Football & Basketball Recruiting+4TideIllustrated+4

Journey to Tuscaloosa

Hailing from Lawndale, California, Henry’s football journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. He began his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma in 2022 but did not see playing time during his redshirt season. Seeking more opportunities, Henry transferred to Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where he showcased his defensive prowess. In the 2023 season, he earned second-team All-National Conference Central Division honors, recording 43 tackles, including a team-high 7.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. ​Touchdown Alabama+1SI+1Saturday Down South+1Touchdown Alabama+1TideIllustrated+4SI+4Alabama Athletics+4

Recruitment Dynamics

Henry’s recruitment has been dynamic. Initially committing to Michigan in 2021, he followed general manager Courtney Morgan to Oklahoma when Morgan transitioned to the Sooners. After transferring to Cerritos College, Henry committed to Mississippi State in June 2024. However, his relationship with Morgan, now at Alabama, played a pivotal role in his decision to flip his commitment to the Crimson Tide. ​SI+3Sportskeeda+3TideIllustrated+3Touchdown Alabama+6SI+6TideIllustrated+6TideIllustrated

Impact on Alabama’s Defense

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Henry is projected to play the “Bandit” position in Alabama’s defense—a role that emphasizes versatility as both an edge rusher and outside linebacker. His quickness off the line and ability to disrupt plays align well with Alabama’s defensive schemes. With two years of eligibility remaining, Henry is expected to contribute significantly to the Crimson Tide’s defensive efforts in the upcoming seasons. ​Rivals: Football & Basketball Recruiting+3Touchdown Alabama+3Sportskeeda+3

Recruiting Class Enhancement

Henry’s commitment brings Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class to 22 prospects, including fellow junior college defensive lineman Steve Mboumoua. This addition bolsters Alabama’s defensive line depth and reflects the program’s commitment to securing top talent from diverse recruiting pipelines. The 2025 class is currently ranked No. 2 nationally, highlighting Alabama’s continued prominence in collegiate recruiting. Saturday Down South+4Sportskeeda+4TideIllustrated+4

The addition of Kevont’e Henry represents a strategic move for the Alabama Crimson Tide, enhancing their defensive capabilities and demonstrating the program’s appeal to top recruits. As Henry transitions to Tuscaloosa, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his skills translate to the Southeastern Conference’s competitive landscape.