**4-Star Running Back Alvin Henderson Flips Commitment to Auburn from Penn State**
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers have secured the commitment of Alvin Henderson, a four-star running back from Elba and two-time Class 1A Back of the Year, who previously committed to Penn State. Henderson announced his decision on Instagram Friday afternoon.
Initially committed to Penn State in April shortly after an official visit, Henderson, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 180 pounds, is ranked by 247Sports as the 8th-best running back in the 2024 class and the 11th-best prospect in Alabama. Nationally, he ranks just outside the top 100 for the 2025 class.
With Henderson’s commitment, Auburn has added its first running back since the 2023 recruiting cycle, bringing their 2025 class to 16 total commitments. Before Henderson’s addition, Auburn’s class was already ranked sixth nationally by 247Sports, and it is expected to jump into the top five. Henderson is now one of the top five highest-rated players in Auburn’s class, which includes five of the top 15 in-state players.
Henderson’s commitment follows Auburn’s recent acquisition of Eric Winters, a four-star safety from Enterprise, and they are still pursuing other top in-state recruits like four-star edge rusher Zion Grady and four-star safety Anquon Fegans.
Henderson visited Auburn in May, after committing to Penn State, and officially visited Penn State a week before switching to Auburn. His impressive 2023 season saw him rush for 3,523 yards and 61 touchdowns on 225 carries, averaging 15.7 yards per carry and 251 yards per game. Elba finished 13-1, losing in the state semifinal to eventual champion Leroy.
Henderson also received offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and others.
Henderson’s recruitment saw changes with the departure of former running backs coach Cadillac Williams. New coaches Derrick Nix and Charles Kelly took over, with Nix quickly building a rapport with Henderson. Nix and Kelly visited Henderson’s school and attended his games, establishing a strong connection that led to Henderson’s commitment to Auburn.
