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Henry Mondeaux Showcases Skills As 2012 Moves Ahead

Last week before the big game between Jesuit and Aloha we had a chance to sit down with one of the Top Athletes in the Class of 2014; Henry Mondeaux. The 6’4″-240 pound Tight End – Defensive End came across our radar in 2011 as a

Henry Mondeaux Showcases Skills As 2012 Moves Ahead

Last week before the big game between Jesuit and Aloha we had a chance to sit down with one of the Top Athletes in the Class of 2014; Henry Mondeaux.   The 6'4"-240 pound Tight End – Defensive End came across our radar in 2011 as a Sophomore and after he made a couple of acrobatic catches in the Holy War early this year he jumped up our Top Prospects chart.

Henry pronounces his last name "Mon-Dew"  was a great interview.  Going into the game in our pre-game analysis we predicted he would be an X factor for Jesuit and that he could be on guy who could turn the outcome of the game.

We were right.  In the second series Friday against Aloha he took the ball in a reverse motion and broke 11 yards around the right side and dove in for the score.  It was something to see a guy that size rumbling through the backfield on his way to a score.

That was a precursor for what would come next.  He would go on to Catch some great grabs out of his Tight End spot.  And he scored again out of backfield.  Has Coach Ken Potter found a super jumbo back?  The answer could very well be yes.

On defense he played Middle Linebacker and had a big interception in the early phases of the game.  Standing with three Pac 12 Programs discussing things in pregame we had given a nod to Henry as a guy they should watch among with others.

About the time he made that Pick we saw them looking back at the rosters.  He made an impression on the biggest night of the year for the now 6-2 Crusaders.

The big agile kid has decent speed.  And he has good hands and feet.  But his ability to finish plays on both sides of the ball impressed us the most.  No doubt this guy will be bigger and faster.  And at 6'4"-240 now he is projecting to 6'5"- 265 ish.  That is a formula for TE or DE.  Time will only tell.

He will wrap up the season and hopes to help his team win it all.  Something we talked about openly as a very really possibility.  Not a guy that gets fired up or talks himself up.  No rather he has a methodical measures approach about him that was frankly workmanlike and humble.  And attractive quality in a talented kid in these days of combines and press conferences.

After Football is over he will lace up the sneakers and hit the hardwood.  The Crusaders are always tough in Hoops and he will be a physical Post for the team.  He says he is a hard worker who is a banger and loves to rebound.  But football is his sport.

"I am a Football player who plays basketball for sure," he said. "But those skills translate to football really well so I plan to stay at it."

Assessing his skills he was right up front.

"My speed and size are an asset right now.   But my leadership and hard work ethic are something I feel great about."

Where can he improve?  

"Better blocking.  That is something I know I can get better at.  And I can become a much better route runner.  Working on being crisper and making better cuts is going to be needed at the College level."

Here is a kid that knows where he wants to go and what he needs to do to get there.  These are the guys that make it to the Collegiate level.  It is in all cases a total commitment and he has that going on.  He is also a 3.3 student and taking a full battery of courses at Jesuit which is never easy.

"The Dream I have to play in college is driving me everyday in all I do.  It is a big Dream and therefore requires a big commitment," he added.

As we wrapped up the interview we discussed some other things about his life and while it did not come out at first eventually something that lets us see inside this big kid came out.  Something that has made a profound impact on him.

"In 9th grade I found out that I have Type 1 Diabetes.  That was a little bit of a surprise but it is something we learned how to manage," he said.  "I manage my blood sugar checking it a few times a day.  Sometimes at halftime I check to make sure things are all in line."

How has it impacted his life?

"It was a wake up call.  It made me think about the things I eat and how I manage my diet and nutrition.  In that way it has made me disciplined about football, school, and other things in my life."

Henry has worked with Chris Dudley and  his Diabetes organization and would like to continue to do so and maybe find a way to help educate younger kids with Diabetes on what he has learned.

Here is a young man with a big Dream who will be a key factor the rest of this year.  He is gaining interest from several schools and can expect that to continue.  Best of luck to he and the Crusaders as they move into the final portions of the 2012 season.

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.

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