The first linebacker pledge in the 2023 Rice Football recruiting class is in. Van (TX) linebacker Beau Barton has committed to the Owls.
A productive weekend ended in a pair of commitments for the 2023 Rice football recruiting class. In addition to having a jam-packed camp session with athletes from all over, the Owls made sure to lock down at least a pair of commitments while they worked the crowd. One of those pledges comes on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Beau Barton has committed to the Owls.
Barton picked up an offer from Rice in mid-May. At the time he already held offers from Colgate and Lamar. Barton told The Roost he “knew what my decision was as soon as Rice gave me the opportunity.” Sure enough, a few weeks after receiving the initial offer, Barton pulled the trigger and made his commitment public.
Following his announcement, Barton cited the environment and the coaching staff as driving forces behind his decision. He saw himself as a good fit for the Rice defense and was excited about the scheme defensive coordinator Brian Smith has employed at South Main in recent seasons.
Barton prides himself as a run stopper with a twitchy first step and burst that help him in the passing game. Above all else, he calls himself a player “with a heart larger than life” who’s ready to make a difference for the Owls at the next level.
The addition of Barton and fellow weekend commitment Landon Ransom brings the 2023 Rice football recruiting class up to 11 commitments thus far. Barton is the fourth defensive commitment and the first linebacker in the class.
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Barton’s film backs up his claims in the run-stuffing department. He shoots into the backfield like a cannon and has enough raw power and speed to bowl through blockers on his way to the football. He finishes with intensity and isn’t shy to make sure the opposing ball carrier feels the hit all the way to the ground. Barton has the potential to be a mainstay in the middle of the Owls’ defense for years to come.
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