Another important addition up front has joined the 2027 Rice Football Recruiting. Offensive lineman Jackson Hooker has committed to the Owls.
The future of the offense continues to look brighter and brighter around South Main as the program stockpiles future talent, starting with a serious commitment to the offensive trenches. Offensive lineman Jackson Hooker has committed to the Owls.
Hooker is a great get for the program as a talent, but the battle for his services wasn’t easy. He had originally intended to make an official visit to Houston following his trip to Rice, but instead canceled that visit and spurned an offer from the Cougars to pledge to the Owls. Hooker also had offers from FAU, Sam Houston, UTEP, Army, Navy, Louisiana Monroe, a few Ivies, and others.
“Coach Abell reminds me very much of my current high school coach, Tommy Allison, whom I have great respect for. It is easy to see that Coach Abell is very genuine and transparent with big expectations. I fully expect Coach Abell to continue his success at Rice and I want to be part of that,” Hooker told The Roost. “Ultimately, the combination of high-level football and elite academics won out.
He joins fellow offensive lineman Jackson Koeppel and wide receiver Brody Diel as the initial set of building blocks as the 2027 class gets on the board. If recent trends are any indication, they might have more company in the weeks ahead.
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Hooker has experience at multiple positions along the offensive line, giving him a level of versatility the Owls prefer in their offensive lineman whenever possible. The film backs that up. He moves well for a 6-foot-3, 280-pound enforcer and isn’t a willing participant at the point of attack.
“I’m a competitor first. I take a lot of pride in doing things the right way, whether that’s in the weight room, the classroom, or on the field,” Hooker said. Rice fans are getting someone who’s going to work every day, represent the university well, and do everything I can to help this program win.”