Syracuse Football: Scouting what 2026 3-star WR commit Phoenix Henriquez brings to SU

On Wednesday, Syracuse football added its second receiver and seventh commit in the class of 2026 with Phoenix Henriquez, a 6'1", 165-pound wide receiver from Smyrna High School in Smyrna, Delaware. He chose the Orange over offers from Maryland, Connecticut, and Delaware. Penn State was another school with interest in Henriquez, which he visited in November.

In 2024, Henriquez had an impressive 85 receptions, 1,055 yards, and 11 touchdowns while earning all-conference and all-state honors. It was the second year in a row where Henriquez had double-digit touchdowns, as he had 10 to go along with 58 receptions and 829 yards in 2023.

Scouting new Syracuse football 2026 3-star WR commit Phoenix Henriquez.

Henriquez has a good height as a receiver with plenty of room to add muscle to his frame. He displays very good foot speed and foot quickness, solid acceleration, good change of direction, balance and explosiveness, with solid lateral movement.

He primarily worked in the slot, but moved all around the offense for matchup purposes, frequently lining up as the lone receiver on one side of the field with three receivers on the other side. Henriquez possesses good releases, frequently changing pace to get to his spot.

He excels in vertical route concepts due to his speed. Overall a very good route runner and he utilizes his speed in streak/seam routes and posts, forcing defenders to give cushion, which additionally sets up good separation on curl and comeback routes or a quick smoke screen. His biggest strength is his very good hands, securing the ball away from his body with very good grip and strength, allowing him to hold on to the ball through contact and contested catches, displaying his good physical toughness.

Henriquez is good after the catch with the foot quickness to get past most defenders, the ability to run through weak arm tackles, and very good breakaway speed in the open field. Another strength is his football IQ, as Henriquez displays very good mental processing during the play and great timing with his quarterback, and he works effectively in scramble drills and broken plays.

He has room to develop his route running in change of direction routes as he largely lacks outbreaking routes in his route trees. His tape also lacks blocking reps and is a point of question.

Overall, Henriquez is a good prospect for the Orange who could find a role on the field early to stretch the defense with his very good speed and vertical route running and become a more featured part of the offense by year two as he develops his overall route running, and expands his route tree and work as a slot and outside receiver.