The 2021 Rice Football recruiting class is growing quickly. After a recent visit to campus, defensive lineman Blake Boenisch has committed to the Owls
Sometimes good things come in waves. Two days before Blake Boenisch committed the 2021 Rice Football recruiting class was a blank slate, waiting for prospective Owls to add their names to the list. On Sunday March 8, offensive lineman Faaeanuu Pepe made his pledge. He was the first of multiple new Owls to make their decisions public.
Less than 24 hours after Pepe came on board the Owls added another big man in the opposite trenches. Needville offensive lineman Blake Boenisch has committed to Rice Football. This 6-foot-4, 300-pound bruiser is the latest in a growing line of torchbearers for the Intellectual Brutality culture being established one man at a time.
Like Pepe, Rice was the first to extend an offer to Boenisch. That offer came on National Signing Day while the staff was putting the finishing touches on their 2020 haul. One of the Owls’ primary targets in their current class, Boenisch reciprocated the Owls’ interest following his visit during spring practices. He hit it off with defensive line coach Cedric Calhoun and came aboard soon afterward.
Boenisch prides himself on his strength in the trenches. “I’m best at just out-powering the opponent,” he said. His walk matches his talk, check out Boenisch deadlifting 625 pounds.
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Boenisch’s strength is part of what endeared him to the Rice coaching staff. For him, it was the atmosphere and the energy of the program as a whole. “I just loved the vibe at practice,” Boenisch said, adding that he “loved how much energy [the team] had” on the field.
When it comes to defensive lineman, particularly ones that play inside like Boenisch, moving people is the primary objective. Getting past the line and wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks is the icing on the top. Boenisch brings that kind of athleticism.
Take a quick peek at his highlights below. He takes up space, forces mistakes and knows where to put his hands to add an extra layer of protection. Boenisch is going to be a great fit at South Main.
