Richards’ Jaiden Henry doesn’t believe in being pigeonholed by position as a player.
The senior receiver loves breaking the mold, doing whatever is necessary for his team.
“I feel like I can do it all,” said Henry, who also kicks for the Bulldogs. “College coaches ask if I’m a slot or an outside guy since I’m around 6-foot or 6-foot-1. I tell them I can play both.
“I’ve got the speed for either spot and I trust my hands. I can make tough catches and pick up yards after the catch. I just try to make plays and be as explosive as possible.”
Henry made several big plays Friday night, scoring a pair of touchdowns as top-seeded Richards rolled to a 33-14 win over Edwardsville in a Class 7A first-round playoff game in Oak Lawn.
Everything has clicked of late for Henry and the Bulldogs (9-1), who will play host to 16th-seeded Hersey (8-2) at 7 p.m. Friday in the second round.
Henry made his college commitment last week to Indianapolis. He’s ij his second year at Richards after transferring from Stagg, making a difference as a playmaker and dynamic athlete.
Senior running back Ahmad Buchanan calls Henry a crucial and indispensable part of the attack.
“He’s one of those receivers who just understands how to get open,” Buchanan said. “His route running is sharp. He’s precise with his cuts and knows how to use his body to create separation.
“He’s smooth, consistent and makes it easy for the quarterback to trust him on every route.”
According to Richards coach Tony Sheehan, Henry used his first year getting used to the program and the systems. Since then, his improvement and growth have been noticeable.
Henry has also developed an important bond with senior quarterback Noah Escobedo.
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“Jaiden has really worked hard to improve all aspects of playing receiver,” Sheehan said. “His route running and knack for finding the open zone has made it easier for Noah this year.”
Still, Henry had to find his place and fill a role at Richards.
“When I first got here, I just wanted to play my part,” he said. “But as the season went on and guys went down, my role grew. When it was time to throw, we had to make the most of it. Toward the end of last year, I proved myself, which set me up for more opportunities this season.
“This year was about proving what our receiver group could do. We’ve got weapons all over the field. You just have to know your role and stay unselfish. If one guy’s going off, you celebrate it because the whole group is eating.”
Gracious and assured, Henry projects an approach that’s always looking to get the job done.
“Off the field, I’m pretty outgoing,” Henry said. “My mom runs nonprofit organizations, so I grew up helping with toy drives and community events.
“I like making people’s days better, being respectful and keeping good energy around me.”
His mother, Kimberly McGraw, played basketball at Moraine Valley. His older brother, TJ Griffin, is a sophomore linebacker at Illinois.
“Hearing about my brother’s experience with a Power Five school really motivated me,” Henry said. “He actually played receiver at Stagg and got recruited as a safety, so we both had to adjust to new things at different levels.
“He’s been my biggest inspiration. I didn’t even start playing football until my freshman year, but watching him commit to a Big Ten program made me want to follow his path.”
His 5-year old sister, McKenzie, is the apple of his eye.
“My greatest thrill is seeing my family after games — everyone cheering and proud,” he said. “That means everything. And the same with our community. When we win, the whole place lights up.
“We take a lot of pride in defending our home field. We haven’t lost at home all year and we plan to keep it that way.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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