Smart. Hard-working. Team-oriented.
That’s a description of Denton Ryan (Texas) offensive lineman Henry Appleton by one of his high school teammates.
Appleton’s work ethic and blocking helped Denton Ryan to a state 5A championship last season. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound offensive tackle will be bringing those talents to Army football after his commitment to quarterbacks coach Cody Worley and offensive line coach Sage Tuitele following a visit to West Point Friday.
Appleton is the third Denton Ryan player to commit to the Black Knights this week, joining brothers Mason and Michael Davis.
“The whole atmosphere and brotherhood of the school blew me away,” said Appleton, who was also offered by Air Force. “After touring the campus, I decided to commit.
“It feels awesome (to be committed to same school as Davis brothers). I’m glad I’ll have some friends going with me.”
Mason Davis said Appleton is the type of player that, “comes to football every day ready to give his all for his teammates.”
“His progress over these last four years has been amazing,” Mason Davis said. “He is more than deserving of all the great things that are happening for him. I love getting to hang out with him every day. He’s a very funny guy who I consider one of my best friends. I look forward to spending these next few years with him.”
Appleton said the thought of serving his country was in his mind growing up. His grandparents and great grandparents were in the military.
“I am excited to serve and I’ve always wanted to,” Appleton said. “As a kid, I’ve always had the interest but I’ve just realized the opportunities that come from serving.”
Appleton’s commitment continued a hot week of recruiting for Army in the Lone Star State. Army has received seven verbal commitment from Texas recruits since Monday. Appleton said his decision came down to Army and Air Force.
“I think the overall attitude of West Point fit me better,” Appleton said.
2022 Army football commits (29)
DE Amir Ali, 6-2, 235, Holy Cross HS, San Antonio, Texas: First offer – Army
OL Henry Appleton, 6-3, 275, Denton Ryan HS, Denton, Texas: Other offers – Air Force. Helped Denton Ryan to Texas 5A state title as junior.
RB Donovan Baker, 5-10, 190, Woodberry Forest (Va.) HS: Other offers – Navy.
OL Ned Brady, 6-4, 245, New Canaan (Conn.) HS: Other offers – Navy, Boston College, Rutgers, Syracuse, Buffalo
K Anderson Britton, 5-10, 155, Heritage HS, Ringgold, Ga.
OL CJ Brooks, 6-1, 277, Warner Robins (Ga.) HS: First offer – Army.
S Caden Brungard, 6-1, 190, Western Wayne HS, Lake Ariel, Pa.: Other offers – Air Force
DL Mason Davis, 6-2, 260, Denton Ryan HS, Denton, Texas: Other offers – Air Force, Hawaii, North Texas. Helped Denton Ryan to Texas state 5A championship
WR Michael Davis, 6-1, 205, Denton Ryan HS, Denton, Texas: First offer – Army. Caught touchdown pass in Denton Ryan’s Texas 5A championship win.
OL Sam Dec, 6-4, 250, Nease HS, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.: Other offers – Navy, Air Force, Marshall, Appalachian State, Florida International, Georgia Southern, UConn, Western Kentucky, Georgia State, Colorado State, Troy, UMass.
DE Chase Fambro, 6-3, 240, Spalding HS, Griffin, Ga.: Other offers – Coastal Carolina, Hawaii
QB Sylas Gomez, 6-2, 185, Central Catholic HS, San Antonio, Texas: First offer – Army.
DE Caden Harman, 6-3, 240, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, Calif.
DL Kody Harris, 6-2, 295, Middletown (Del.) HS: Other offers – Navy, Air Force. Visited Army, Navy and Air Force.
QB Cale Hellums, 5-11, 185, Tomball (Texas) HS: First offer – Army. Rushed for 1,796 yards junior year.
OL Kendrick Kirby, 6-3, 270, Calhoun (Ga.) HS: Other offers – Air Force, Memphis, Arkansas State, Marshall.
DT Bridger Knee, 6-2, 250, Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tenn.: Other offers – Ball State, Utah State
OL Tyler Lee, 6-2, 285, Tomball (Texas) HS: Other offers – Air Force, Tulsa, Marshall, Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas State
DB Ryan Nolan, 5-10, 170, Gainesville (Fla.) HS: Other offers – Navy
LB Steven Powers, 6-foot, 200, Franklin HS, El Paso, Texas: First offer – Army. Second offer – Navy.
S Jamir Reyes, 6-1, 180, Imhotep Charter, Philadelphia, Pa.
QB Glenn Rice, 5-11, 180, Lancaster (Texas) HS: Other offers – Air Force.
FB Hunter Roddy, 6-foot, 220, Chaparral HS, Murrieta, Calif.: Other offers – Navy
OL Ryan Scott, 6-3, 250, Blessed Trinity HS, Roswell, Ga.: First offer – Army
TE Toby Thompson, 6-4, 240, Cherokee HS, Canton, Ga.: Other offers – Air Force
WR Neo Vossschulte, 6-4, 190, Episcopal Academy, Newtown Square, Pa.
RB Dakoda Wagner, 6-1, 210, Flagler Palm Coast (Fla.) HS
RB Isaiah West, 6-1, 204, Georgetown Prep, North Bethesda, Md.: Other offers – Navy
CB Curtis Whiting, 5-11, 181, Hackensack (N.J.) HS
TE Cooper Wilkinson, 6-3, 235, New Smyrna Beach (Fla.) HS: Committed during visit on June 6.
Commits by state: Texas (9), Georgia (6), Pennsylvania (3), Florida (3), California (2), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Maryland (1), New Jersey (1), Tennessee (1), Virginia (1)
Commits offered by Navy: 7
Commits offered by Air Force: 8
