While the team was on bye, the 2022 Rice Football recruiting class kept growing, picking up a commitment from JUCO running back Dean Connors.
The 2022 Rice football recruiting class is adding to the momentum the Owls have experienced on the football field entering their bye week. Fresh off two wins on the field, Rice scored another win off the field, securing a commitment from JUCO running back Dean Connors.
Rice was the first to offer the California product, making the ask official in mid-September. He visited campus for the first time during the Owls’ bye week and loved everything that he saw. “I really felt like I belonged,” he said, “[Recruiting Director] Alex Brown and the recruiting staff were beyond amazing and answered any questions that I had. The coaching staff made it clear they cared about me as a person and a player on the team, which really made it a driving factor in my decision to commit to Rice.”
Positionally, Connors’ commitment fills a gap in the backfield for Rice which did not sign any running backs in the 2021 class. With Jordan Myers in his last season of eligibility, Rice needed to get another productive option at the position. They’ve found that in Connors.
Connors is the fourth commitment on the offensive side of the ball, and the third skill position addition. Rice hasn’t received a pledge from an offensive lineman or a tight end in this class yet, instead, Connors will join quarterback commit AJ Padgett in the backfield and someday lineup alongside wide receivers Braylen Walker and Rawson MacNeill.
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It only takes a quick look through his highlights to see the explosiveness Connors brings to the field. His burst and ability to navigate traffic are impressive. When combined with his shiftiness and ability to change direction, there’s home run potential whenever he gets his hands on the football.
Connors mentioned above all else, “my team comes first and I’ll do anything it takes to win.” He can run, catch and break off the big play. He’ll be one more option in offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo’s growing arsenal of playmakers.
