The 2023 Rice Football recruiting class picked up an important signing day addition, landing DIII tight end transfer Ethan Powell to their ranks.
The 2023 Rice Football Recruiting class had its high school component wrapped up in the week or so leading up til the Early Signing Period, but there was more work to be done. Next, the Owls raided the transfer portal, picking up several instant impact players including DIII transfer tight end Ethan Powell from Southwestern University.
Head coach Mike Bloomgren praised Powell’s commitment to the game, nothing that DIII players aren’t on scholarships. They have to want to be there. Now Powell’s commitment is paying off.
On the field, Powell is almost as much of a wide receiver as a tight end. He’s a true vertical threat, filling the “F” position in the Rice offense. In the words of offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo, Powell’s addition will allow Rice to “continue to live in 11 personnel” with Powell able to line up outside rather than in-line with that role fitting incumbent starter Jack Bradley better.
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Powell was part of a three-man haul at the position for the Owls, all of which possess different skill sets. While the pass-catching highlights are the ones that tend to make it onto the film for all tight ends, seeing what Powell has already done on the field with the football is particularly encouraging including 879 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 10 games last season.
6 catches, 150 yds, 2 TDs, offensive MVP @ethanpowelll pic.twitter.com/sZohydDiqT
— Wade Powell (@WadePowell) October 16, 2022