The source for Rice sports news

Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 DL Chris Clark commits to Owls

By

The 2023 Rice Football recruiting class added its first defensive pledge in the trenches. Defensive lineman Chris Clark has committed to the Owls.

After stockpiling a small army along the offensive front, the focus of the 2023 Rice football recruiting class has pivoted back toward the other side of the football. With five offensive lineman already committed, Rice has landed their first pledge from a defensive lineman in this cycle. Furr High School product Chris Clark has committed to the Owls.

Clark was initially offered by Southeast Missouri on May 12, but picked up his Rice offer shortly afterward on May 17. He also had offers from Air Force and Alabama State by the end of June when he decided he was ready to pull the trigger and proclaim his allegiance to Rice.

The addition of Clark wraps up one of the most productive June recruiting months in recent Rice football recruiting history.

The 2023 Rice football recruiting class picked up six public commitments in throughout the month, even though MacArthur CB AJ Stephens, the first commitment of the month, didn’t announce his decision until June 9. The remaining five commitments transpired in the span of 15 days. The class now sits at 13 commitments.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

While Clark’s offer list isn’t too exciting, his film speaks for itself. For a man of his size (6-foot-6, 251 pounds, he flashes some burst. Clark profiles as an interior player at the collegiate level, but he told The Roost he’s comfortable lining up everyone along the line and particularly enjoys playing defensive end.

Watching him combine speed power and some nimble feet to find ways into the offensive backfield is exciting. Clark is versatile, a coveted trait among the Rice coaching staff and one that should serve him well at South Main in the future.

Become a Patron!
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts

Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 TE James Falk commits to Owls

By

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.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

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.

Become a Patron!
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts

Rice Football Recruiting: Owls, offers and commitments after camp weekend

By

Rice football recruiting had a productive camp weekend, observing future classes, issuing offers and grabbing some commitments along the way.

June is camp season. As the 2023 Rice football recruiting class continues to develop, the Owls’ staff is hard at work across the state, participating in various camps and even working one of their own right on their home turf. Rice hosted campers from across the country this past weekend, handing out a few offers and receiving a few commitments along the way. Here’s a quick rundown of the busy weekend at South Main.

Subscriber content.<br /> Please login to see the full post or visit our Patreon page.

For those checking in for the first time, or those returning, a quick programming note. Special features like this are reserved for our subscribers. Have questions? You can get those answered in our monthly Q&As and get access to all practice notes, recruiting updates and features like this one when you subscribe on Patreon today.

Sorry! This part of content is hidden behind this box because it requires a higher contribution level ($10) at Patreon. Why not take this chance to increase your contribution?
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts

Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 LB Beau Barton commits to Owls

By

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.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

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.

Become a Patron!
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts

Rice Football Recruiting: 2023 WR Landon Ransom commits to Owls

By

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.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

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.

Become a Patron!
Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive Rice football recruiting updates, practice notes and more.

Recent Posts