Nation’s top JUCO running back ‘feeling great about’ South Carolina after offer

South Carolina running backs coach Montario Hardesty has focused in on a junior college running back.

Robert Henry (5-10, 194) is a native of Lumberton, Mississippi and attends Jones College in the same state. Henry just completed his second year at Jones, his first playing for the team, and rushed for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns. Both figures lead the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Hardesty recently contacted Henry after getting a look at his film, and Sunday night he took the next step by offering him a scholarship.

“He followed me probably two weeks ago, and we had been texting on Twitter for a little minute,” Henry said. “He finally called me tonight, and he was telling me about the place, about himself and the environment and stuff. And then he told me I had the offer. After that we were still chopping it up, and we set up the visit.”

The official visit will take place the weekend of Dec. 16, the weekend after Henry takes an official visit to Coastal Carolina.

Henry said Hardesty sees a lot of potential in him and believes he can help develop into a running back who can play on the next level.

“He was telling me how I’m explosive, run the ball well and block well,” Henry said. “He liked the way I run violent. He told me after all that I’m an NFL guy and he wants to try and get me to that level.”

Henry said he’s not all that familiar with what the Gamecocks have going on with their program, but he’s looking to learn more.

“I know they are a good football program. I know that for sure,” he said. “I’m looking into it. I think I would be a good fit. I’m feeling great about them.”

Henry is coming off a weekend official visit to University of Texas at San Antonio. He also has offers from Kentucky, Sam Houston State, Northern Arizona, McNeese State, Eastern Illinois and Samford.

Henry plans to sign in December and enroll in January. He will have three years of eligibility at his next stop.

Henry is one of three finalists for the inaugural Walter Jones Trophy, which will be awarded to the nation’s top junior college player on Nov. 21 in Orlando.

South Carolina’s current 20-member Class of 2023 includes running back Dontavious Braswell of Sandersville, Georgia.