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Rice Football Recruiting: BYU LB Michael Daley commits to Owls

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The 2024 Rice Football recruiting class scooped up a veteran addition on defense. BYU linebacker Michael Daley has committed to the Owls.

A day removed from adding some firepower on the offensive side of the ball, the 2024 Rice football recruiting class picked up its first defensive addition from the transfer portal. The Owls have picked up a commitment from former BYU linebacker / defensive end Michael Daley, who will play rush end when he arrives at South Main.

Formerly a three-star recruit at the time he committed to BYU as a member of the 2019 class, Daley is a Houston native who was played sparingly during his time with the Cougars, appearing in five games in 2023 after missing the entire 2022 season with an injury. He’s excited for the opportunity to get back onto the field in earnest at South Main.

“I knew there was something special there,” Daley told The Roost about his impressions of Rice football following his visit. “I know I want to be a part of a team that plays for each other week in and week out.”

Daley is the third transfer commitment Rice has received in the past week leading up to the Early Signing Period. Former Penn State punter Alex Vacchetta and Bucknell running back Coleman Bennett are also joining the Owls this offseason.

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There isn’t a lot of film on Daley from his collegiate tape, mostly operating as a depth piece while at BYU. He has a good frame (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and should slide in well to a room that might be able to return several key pieces. If not, having some veterans in the fold like Daley should give the room a boost in the spring as the younger players get their feet wet and Daley has his chance to show what he brings to the table.

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Rice Football Recruiting: Bucknell RB Coleman Bennett commits to Owls

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The 2024 Rice Football recruiting class added another impact player from the Transfer Portal. Bucknell running back Coleman Bennett has committed to the Owls.

As the Early Signing Period approached it became clear the 2024 Rice football recruiting class was going to need another running back, preferably one with some experience. The Owls hit the Transfer Portal in search of that particular player and found him, landing a commitment this week from Bucknell transfer running back Coleman Bennett.

Bennett comes to South Main after a productive four-year career at Bucknell, most recently finishing seventh all of FCS in all-purpose yards per game. A speedy rusher, Bennett also led the Patriot League with 541 kick return yards, accumulating all that return yardage across just six games.

“The amount of love I received from the coaching staff really made me feel wanted,” Bennett told The Roost. “And you always want to be apart of something that makes you feel wanted.”

Bennett’s addition gives the Owls some lightning to the Owls’ high school running back commit, Rhys Phillips. Bennett can run like the wind while Phillips is more of a traditional h-back that will be utilized as a blocker in addition to his ball-carrying skills. Bennett should also be able to step into some of the role left by departing senior Juma Otoviano.

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Bennett’s quickness and burst jump out immediately when you glance at his highlights. He can put his foot in the ground, make one cut and explode downfield with intensity. At 6-foot, 195 pounds, his game looks rather similar to current Rice running back Dean Connors.

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Rice Football Recruiting: Will Owls participate in Transfer Portal QB carousel?

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The Transfer Portal quarterback market is heating up. How will Rice football recruiting be involved?

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Rice Football Recruiting: 2025 ATH Semaj Pierre commits to Owls

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The 2025 Rice Football recruiting class grabbed its first pledge this week, earning a commitment from Port Arthur Memorial wideout Semaj Pierre.

There’s nothing like dreams of the future to help ease the pains of the present day. After falling on the gridiron a few times in recent weeks, the 2025 Rice Football Recruiting provided some encouragement off the field in the form of its first commitment of the class. Port Arthur Memorial wide receiver Semaj Pierre has committed to the Owls.

Pierre picked up an early over from Mississippi State, adding offers down the line from Louisiana Tech and Rice. The Owls jumped at the chance to offer Pierre after watching him at their camp they hosted earlier this summer. He impressed the coaches and earned an offer. Then the race for his services was on, with Rice finally winning out this fall.

A two-way player in high school, Pierre will most likely land with the offense at the next level.

The first member of the Owls’ 2025 class, Pierre will be a building block for this next wave. Given the current state of the Rice roster and the revised Transfer Portal rules, it remains to be seen how big this class will get. Beginning it with a playmaker like Pierre is a great start.

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Standing 5-foot-7 and tipping the scales at 160 pounds, Pierre isn’t going to be confused for a traditional outside wide receiver, but his ball skills are real and the Rice offense has proven time and time again it’s able to utilize players of Pierre’s stature. He’s a playmaker that is truly dynamic with the ball in his hands. He’ll fit in well on South Main.

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Rice Football Recruiting Update: Adding on to 2024

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There’s been a lot of action on the Rice football recruiting front in recent weeks. Here’s the latest on the Owls’ new additions.

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