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Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 TE James Falk commits to Owls

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The 2023 Rice Football recruiting class has picked up its first commitment from a tight end. Haverford (PA) product James Falk has committed to the Owls.

The summer air isn’t the only thing heating up in Houston right now. The 2023 Rice football recruiting class picked up its third commitment in the span of three days following a busy camp weekend at South Main. Tight end James Falk was in town for the camp and has since made his pledge public, announcing his commitment to the Owls on Wednesday.

Rice was the first FBS school to offer Falk, doing so roughly one month prior to his commitment in mid-May. He received a few FCS offers in the month that followed before picking up an offer from in-state Temple on June 13. But then he made the trek down south to visit Rice and couldn’t imagine himself anywhere else.

Falk told The Roost he “didn’t get that same feeling at some of the other schools” he visited, saying he could see himself “living and breathing it every day” at Rice. Falk was excited to get a sneak peek with working with tight ends coach Jim Jackson who led some position drills over the weekend.

The 2023 Rice football recruiting class has now reached 12 commitments, adding five in the month of June and seven since May 1. It’s been an extremely productive summer for the Owls, who don’t look to be easing up anytime soon.

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Falk shines on film, making plays from an in-line position, a rare find in today’s high school football landscape. His 6-foot-6, 226-pound frame gives him a size advantage across the middle of the field and he flashed some run blocking ability as well. That versatility is something Falk prides himself in. Between the blocking, the hands and the measurables, Falk has the characteristics the Owls want. He’ll have a real chance to develop into a difference-maker at the position at South Main.

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Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 LB Beau Barton commits to Owls

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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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Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 WR Landon Ransom commits to Owls

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The 2023 Rice Football recruiting had added an offensive playmaker, picking up a commitment from 2023 wide receiver Landon Ransom.

The summer camp circuit was good to Rice football recruiting and its 2023 class. The Owls had a myriad of players on campus this weekend and walked away with multiple commitments. On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Landon Ransom has committed to the Owls.

Ransom chose the Owls over offers from Arkansas State, Army and Navy. Although there were other teams interested in his services, the decision was an easy one for the Owls’ newest offensive weapon. “It was always Rice,” Ransom said, affirming the confidence in which he made his decision. Initially offered on National Signing Day for the 2022 class, Ransom has remained in the Owls’ sights for more than four months. Now, his decision is made.

Versatility will always be near the top of the Owls’ priority list for incoming recruits. Ransom told The Roost he believes his ability to win on the outside and the inside helped differentiate himself from his peers. Standing 6-foot and tipping the scales at 170 pounds prior to his senior season, he has a strong base to build off of as he makes the transition to college ball next year.

Ransom is the first wide receiver commitment in the 2023 Rice football recruiting class and the first true skill position player the Owls have secured outside of quarterback Chase Jenkins. Rice picked up five offensive line commitments in a two week period in late April and early May before adding three commitments in the secondary in the early summer months. Linebacker Beau Barton committed the same weekend.

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One quick look at Ransom’s highlights makes it easy to see what piqued the Owls’ interest. From deep speed to the ability to win with his body, Ransom can win in a variety of ways already. He has a strong base from which to continue to develop his game and already possesses an awareness that is challenging to teach. Ransom’s ability to fill multiple roles and do multiple things make him a great pickup for the Owls.

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The Roost Podcast | Ep 113 – ’22 North Texas Preview with Matthew Brune

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It’s preseason preview time at The Roost Podcast and we get things started this week with a look at North Texas football with Matthew Brune of 247 Sports.

North Texas football had a wild ride last season, winning five in a row to reach bowl eligibility after a disastrous 1-6 start. Matthew Brune of 247 Sports joins The Roost Podcast this week to talk about the Mean Green, from their 2021 campaign to what we should expect from the program this coming season. This is the first of many team previews of the offseason.

You can find previous episodes on the podcast page. For now, give a listen to Episode 113.

Episode Notes

Announcements

The 2022 Conference USA Football Season Preview will be released on Wednesday, June. Get it for free as well as all preseason Rice football content when you subscribe to The Roost on Patreon. It’s that easy! You can get more information here.

Housekeeping

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Interview — North Texas football with Matthew Brune

  • Unpacking a crowded quarterback room
  • Who will emerge as true playmakers in the North Texas offense
  • Thoughts on the running game and how balanced the offense will be this season
  • Replacing the Murphy brothers on defense
  • Taking stock of the secondary
  • What’s next for Seth Littrell at North Texas?
  • The Lightning Round!

Where can you find us?

Download and subscribe to The Roost Podcast on any of your favorite podcast providers. The show is available on iTunes, GooglePlay, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and PodBean. Please consider leaving a review wherever you listen.

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Rice Baseball: 2022 MLB Owls update – June 15

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The 2022 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are busy on the mound and at the plate. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls.

Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels

Rendon went on the injured list on May 28 but was reinstated this week. He reached base in each of his first three games back, including a double in a win against the Mets on Saturday. Unfortunately, he injured his wrist in the game and left in the fifth inning. He’s “day to day“.

Through June 15 Rendon is hitting .228 with 15 extra-base hits, 23 walks and 32 strikeouts. His OPS is .707 and he’s collected 24 RBI.

J.T. Chargois – Tampa Bay Rays

Chargois remains on the 60-day Injured List and won’t be available for the Rays until mid-July at the earliest. He’s made one appearance with the team so far this season.

Through June 15, Chargois has a 0.00 ERA with a 0.000 WHIP. He’s averaging 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

Tyler Duffey – Minnesota Twins

Duffey made one appearance this week, allowing one run in two innings of work against the Rays on Sunday.

Through June 15, Duffey has a 6.38 ERA with a 1.500 WHIP. He’s averaging 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

Lucas Luetge – New York Yankees

Luetge saw action in two games this week, combing to throw 3.1 scoreless innings in relief outings against the Twins (Thursday) and Cubs (Saturday).

Through June 1, Luetge has a 4.15 ERA with a 1.327 WHIP. He’s averaging 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Glenn Otto – Texas Rangers

Otto was scratched from his start last week, instead landing on the COVID-related injury list. His last appearance was on June 4.

Through June 15, Otto has a 4.24 ERA with a 1.364 WHIP. He’s averaging 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

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