The Michigan State Spartans believe Jance Henry to be their running back of the 2027 class. In this exclusive, learn about why Henry is so special, and how he continues to improve.

The Michigan State Spartans are looking to the future, and one player who has quickly caught their attention as a potential star in the 2027 recruiting class is running back Jance Henry. Even though he’s still just a sophomore in high school, Henry’s combination of physical tools and natural ability on the field has impressed coaches, scouts, and analysts alike. With his rare blend of power, vision, and athleticism, it’s no wonder the Spartans are already considering him their running back of the future.

At 5-foot-8 and weighing 200 pounds, Henry has the kind of build that jumps off the page. He’s stocky and powerful, with an explosive lower body that allows him to generate incredible force in both his lifts and his runs. Henry’s strength is exceptional for someone his age. His bench press is already over 300 pounds, his squat tops 450 pounds, and his deadlift is an eye-popping 550 pounds. These numbers would be impressive for a seasoned college athlete, let alone a high school sophomore still developing his full athletic potential. And while these figures alone might make you think he’s simply a powerhouse, it’s important to note that his work ethic and drive to improve make him all the more special.

Despite his impressive strength, Henry isn’t just about raw power. He has speed and agility that show up on the field, even though his 40-yard dash time of 4.62 might not seem particularly eye-catching at first glance. Many might dismiss that figure and focus on the times of other running backs that burn up the track. But as the great Sports Illustrated writer Paul Zimmerman once explained in his influential book The New Thinking Man’s Guide to Pro Football, 40-yard dash times don’t tell the full story when it comes to running backs. As Zimmerman noted, running back is a position defined by instinct and agility, not just speed. The best running backs — such as Gale Sayers, Jim Brown, and others — ran with a low, compact stride that allowed them to maintain balance, cut, and explode through holes.

That’s the kind of running Henry excels at. And according to Central Valley High School coach Mark Lyons, Henry’s speed and explosiveness are often overlooked due to his running form. As Lyons puts it, Henry doesn’t have the long, lanky strides that might be more noticeable or aesthetically impressive on a stopwatch. Instead, Henry’s quickness and ability to break free from would-be tacklers come from his agility, lower-body power, and decision-making.

“I don’t think he gets enough credit,” Lyons said. “He doesn’t have that long gait, that long stride that looks like he’s covering ground. But I tell you what — there are several clips on his Hudl where people have gotten angles on him, and they haven’t caught him.” This is where Lyons makes an important point: on the field, it’s not just about raw speed but how effectively that speed is utilized in real-world situations. When Henry’s running in pads and facing defenders, he often outruns them, even though he doesn’t have the longest stride or fastest 40-yard dash. The ability to accelerate in the open field and outrun defenders once he’s past the second level is something that is far more telling than a single number on a stopwatch. It’s those moments that really show how fast and dangerous a player can be — especially when they can outrun defenders who have angles on them.

Despite his early success, Henry isn’t resting on his laurels. He knows that to reach the next level, he needs to continue refining his game, and that is exactly what he’s been doing in his sophomore year. One of the biggest areas of improvement for Henry this season has been his vision. This is something that, in many ways, separates good running backs from great ones. Having the raw physical ability to break tackles, accelerate, and gain yardage is one thing, but the best running backs are the ones who can read a defense, anticipate where the holes will be, and make split-second decisions that turn a good run into a great one.

“I’ve been really focusing on my vision,” Henry explained. “Last year, I was just running to run. This year, me and my coaches really sat down and studied film. We looked at what I could do better, what holes I could be hitting more. And then just accelerating. Once I hit that second level … I feel like I exceeded on that a lot.”

That dedication to improving his vision is a significant indicator of Henry’s potential. A player with that kind of self-awareness and commitment to studying his craft is already thinking about how to elevate his game. By identifying where he can improve, specifically with his decision-making in the backfield, Henry is setting himself up for long-term success. His focus on film study and the ability to understand the nuances of the game will only help him become more efficient, elusive, and dangerous when he reaches the next level of competition.

From a physical perspective, Henry has already shown that he’s capable of handling the rigorous demands of the running back position. As he continues to develop, it’s clear that his combination of speed, power, and vision will make him a nightmare for defenses at every level of football. His impressive lift numbers demonstrate that he is well on his way to becoming a physically dominant back, one who can break tackles, shed defenders, and make explosive plays. But it’s his ability to refine his game and continue improving in key areas that will ultimately define his career.

Looking ahead, Michigan State running backs coach Keith Bhonapha has to be excited about the potential Henry brings to the table. Bhonapha, who has worked with some of the top running backs in the country, would have a lot to work with in Henry — an athlete who combines the physicality of a power back with the agility and vision of a more elusive runner. Henry’s work ethic, combined with his exceptional strength and growing football IQ, makes him an ideal candidate to succeed in a power-five conference like the Big Ten, where toughness and skill are equally important.

For Michigan State, landing a player like Henry could be a game-changer for the running back position in the coming years. The Spartans are no strangers to developing elite talent, and with Henry’s upside, they could have a star in the making on their hands. If he continues to improve at the rate he’s shown thus far, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him becoming one of the top recruits in the nation as he progresses through high school.

For now, Henry is focused on continuing to build his game and getting better every day. With his remarkable work ethic, natural ability, and commitment to improving his craft, it’s clear that he has all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level and beyond. Whether it’s his vision, his physical strength, or his ability to break off big runs, Henry is already showing that he’s a special talent — one that could be the face of Michigan State’s future backfield.

As he enters the next phase of his development, all eyes will be on Henry to see how much further he can take his game. If he continues to refine his skills, develop his understanding of the game, and work hard in the weight room and on the field, Jance Henry could very well live up to the hype and become one of the most coveted running backs in the 2027 recruiting class. And for Michigan State, they may have found a cornerstone player who can lead their offense for years to come.