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Rice Football Recruiting: Owls in the midst of productive Junior Days

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The 2020 Rice football recruiting class is picking up steam. The spring has brought three commitments and more could be on the way after a few official visit weekends.

The winter has barely dissipated and Rice football has already broken the ice on what could be a historic signing class. Not to be hyperbolic, but that’s the sort of trajectory that’s been set by the Owls’ first four commitments.

Safety Plae Wyatt, offensive lineman Braedon Nutter and Brady Feeney and newest commit Nate Kamper have already raised the bar. Wyatt, Nutter and Feeney rate as three of the four highest-rated players Rice has signed since 2015. Kamper is a 6-foot-6 matchup nightmare in the slot and the Owls’ coaching staff is working on reeling in more big fish.

March Junior Day

Rice hosted a dozen or so 2019 recruits at the end of March including Wyatt and Nutter, both of whom gave rousing endorsements of the weekend. It was more than just the committed guys who liked what they saw. So did Kamper, who was back on campus a week and a half later before committing on April 3.

Hightower athlete Kobie Campbell was impressed with the facilities and the personability of the Rice staff. Notre Dame Prep (Az) linebacker Brock Locnikar praised the dedication to improvement and the #IntellectualBrutality culture. Both players are firmly in the crosshairs of the Rice staff as are a few other notable names who were on campus that weekend like St. Thomas offensive lineman Tommy Brandt and Hendrickson defensive lineman Gabriel Hunter.

April Junior Day

Rice will bring in another group of 2020 recruits this coming weekend, too. Sage Ennis, a top 25 tight ranked tight end from Lincoln High School in Florida, will be in attendance as will playmaking Tomball Memorial wide receiver Logan Kyle. A teammate of current Rice commit Braedon Nutter, Kyle’s offer list is blowing up, but remains interested in what the Owls have to offer.

On the defensive line, Desert Ridge High School (AZ) product Joquari Price is making the trip east to Texas and Louisiana native Noah Taliancich from Destrehan High School will make the trip west. At least for this weekend, all roads seem to lead to Houston.

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Rice Football Recruiting: 2020 Tight end Nate Kamper commits to Owls

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The 2020 Rice Football recruiting class keeps getting better and better thanks to the addition of Killeen, Texas tight end Nate Kamper.

A year ago the dream of playing D1 college football wasn’t on Nate Kamper’s radar. Maybe he had thought about it from time to time, but the Killeen, Texas product wasn’t on anyone’s radar before his junior season. When Rice saw the film he rocketed up their boards quickly. He’s been a priority in the 2020 class from the start. Now he’s a Rice Owl.

Kamper stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 200 pounds. He’s a pass catching threat up the middle who can create mismatches with any combination of linebackers and safeties tasked with guarding him one on one. He’s a bit leaner than the other tight ends on the roster right now, but given some time in the weight room with Hans Straub and he’ll be even more physically imposing. That should scare other CUSA squads.

Head coach Mike Bloomgren has stressed speed and size in his quest to instill Intellectual Brutality at Rice. Kamper checks both of those boxes at a position of significance for an offensive like Bloomgren wants to run.

While the other three recruits in the 2020 class had already turned some heads on somewhat of a larger scale, Kamper could be the “diamond in the rough” type player other coaches kick themselves for missing later on. The fourth commit in a growing 2020 class, Kamper turned down offers from SMU and UTSA to play at South Main.

Kamper said the level of care head coach Mike Bloomgren and his staff had for the program was evident. Like several other recruits before him, the vision for Rice football was easy to understand and easy to get behind. Those close to Kamper had indicated he wanted this process wrapped up before his senior year began in the fall. Well, it’s April, and Rice has another top target in the fold.

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Rice Football: Offense makes strides at spring practice

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Rice football spring practices continue to move along. On Monday the offense had one of their better showings of the spring.

Monday was a “catch up” day for Rice football on the practice field. There were no new schemes installed, rather all units drilled in on the concepts they’d already been tough through the first several practices of the spring. The results, for the most part, seemed encouraging.

“You saw football slow down for these guys,” Bloomgren said with a smile. “There motors and ability to play fast on the field sped up.” It was a noticeable step forward for the entire unit.

Offense takes a step forward

Wiley Green, Aaron Cephus and Cam Montgomery had stellar days. The defense is probably still a step or two ahead as a whole, but the offense showed sparks on Monday. One of those somewhat surprising jolts came from linebacker-turned-running back Ari Broussard.

Broussard had a strong scrimmage on Saturday, breaking off some big runs with plenty of yardage after contact. He used every inch of his 6-foot, 210-pound frame, plowing through defenders and picking up hard yardage. With the departure of Emmanuel Esukpa as a grad transfer this spring, for the moment, he might be the Owls’ biggest bruiser in the backfield.

He was one of several guys who looked more at ease in the offense. Clay Servin said getting reps with some of the same guys up front on the offensive line made it “a lot easier to see things,” adding “This offense is very complete and it only gets easier with experience and time.”

Servin, along with Shea Baker and Cole Garcia have shown continued progress this spring. Bloomgren cited grad transfer Nick Leverett as a big winner on Monday. All in all, this unit is coming along well.

Defense remains consistent

As the offense comes into the picture, the defense has stayed strong. Bloomgren called the defensive line “the biggest surprise” of the spring, saying they’ve collectively “worked their butts off and caused a lot of problems up front.” Cam Valentine is back from injury and has had some nice moments. So has Anthony Ekpe, who slid from his linebacker post to rush end this spring.

Blaze Alldredge and Antonio Montero have been two of the most impressive performers. Montero attributed his experience in the fall to a portion of his success. “I feel a lot more confident in the scheme and where I need to be.,” he shared. “I have a real feel for the physicality of the game, that all comes with experience.” Experience, plus low numbers at his position have given him opportunity. He continues to rise to the occasion.

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Rice Football: Tracking NFL Owls on pro rosters in 2019

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Several former Rice football stars who are currently playing at the next level. Here’s where the NFL Owls will suit up in 2019.

Nine former Rice football players were on NFL rosters in 2018. Four of those players are staying put with the same team this coming season. A few others have found new teams, while several are still on the hunt. Here’s where each of the Owls stands entering the 2019 season.

Active players

Calvin Anderson (Broncos) – Anderson was signed from the Jets practiced squad to the Broncos roster on Oct. 1 as first reported by The Roost.

Chris Boswell (Steelers)  – Signed through 2022 on a four-year, $16.8 million deal

Bryce Callahan (Broncos) – Formerly with the Bears, Callahan signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Broncos this offseason. His contract runs through 2021.

Christian Covington (Cowboys) – Formerly with the Texans, Covington signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.

Emmanuel Ellerbee (Seahawks) – Signed through 2019 on a one-year, $570,000 deal

Phillip Gaines (Texans) – After being released with an injury settlement by the Browns, Gaines signed a one-year, $805K deal with the Texans.

Vance McDonald (Steelers) –  Signed through 2021 on a three-year, $19.6 million deal

Andrew Sendejo (Vikings) – Formerly with Eagles, the former Viking was claimed by Minnesota on waivers following his release from the Eagles in Week 9. He’s back with the Vikings now.

Luke Willson (Seahawks) – Briefly with the Raiders, Willson signed a one-year, $805K deal with the Seahawks following Week 3 of the 2019 season.

Practice squad

Jack Fox (Lions) – Undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Fox signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s been on and off the Chiefs’ practice squad this season and had workouts elsewhere before signing with the Lions in November.

Free agents

Jordan Taylor – Formerly of the Broncos, Taylor signed a one-year deal with the Raiders before he was released during roster cutdowns at the end of the preseason.

Austin Walter Undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Walter signed with the Giants’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in Week 6. He was waived following the game.

**All contractual information sources from OverTheCap and SpotRac**

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Rice Football Recruiting 2020 Commitment Tracker

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The 2020 Rice football recruiting class is beginning to take shape. Here’s where the class currently stands with live updates with each commitment.

2020 Class Positional Breakdowns – Offense and Special Teams | Defense
Player Pos. Hometown / School Commit Date Signed?
Andrew Awe LB Mansfield, Tx 2/3/2020  —
Jaren Banks LB NM Military Inst.(JUCO) 2/3/2020  Yes
Kobie Campbell RB Missouri City, TX 4/9/2019  Yes
Caleb Chappelle WR The Woodlands, TX 2/2/2020  —
Mike Collins* QB TCU (Grad) 12/17/2019  Yes
Jonah Doddridge DB Southlake, TX 2/2/2020  —
Jordan Dunbar CB Tarrytown, NY 6/22/2019  Yes
Terreance Ellis LB Pearland, TX 1/22/2020  —
Sean Fresch CB Austin, TX 6/29/2019  Yes
Khalan Griffin RB Tyler, TX 5/2/2019  Yes
Michael Haack WR El Paso, TX 12/28/2019  —
Geron Hargon  LB Shreveport, LA 6/22/2019  Yes
Van Heitmann DL Houston, TX 2/5/2020  —
Brian Hibbard FB Baton Rouge, LA 4/11/2019  —
Caleb James DL Houston, TX 2/5/2020  —
Nate Kamper TE Fort Hood, TX 4/3/2019  Yes
Cole Latos DE Allen, TX 6/24/2019  Yes
Mike Leone OL Princeton, NJ 12/16/2019  Yes
Payton Lovell OL Trophy Club, TX 2/1/2020  —
Andrew Mason WR Spring Hill, TN 6/11/2019  Yes
TJ McMahon* QB Cerritos (JUCO) 12/9/2019  Yes
Christian McStravick WR Boston College (Transfer) 5/5/2020 Yes
Lamont Narcisse CB Calabasas, CA 2/5/2020  Yes
Braedon Nutter OL Tomball, TX 3/23/2019  Yes
Trey Phillippi OL Montgomery, TX 6/14/2019  Yes
Collin Riccitelli K Stanford (Grad) 2/2/2020  Yes
Jalen Reeves DE Hollywood, FL 9/22/2019  Yes
Adam Sheriff* OL Butler (JUCO) 12/15/2019  Yes
Charlie Stone OL Austin, TX 2/4/2020  —
Gabe Taylor CB Miami, FL 2/5/2020  Yes
Casey Tawa WR West Linn, OR 12/28/2019  —
Jovaun Woolford* OL Colgate (Grad) 12/10/2019  Yes
Plae Wyatt S McKinney, TX 2/28/2019  Yes

*Denotes an early enrollee

This is the latest verbally committed players for the Rice Football 2020 recruiting classes. The list will be updated to reflect the Owls’ current commitments as information comes in. More information on the 2019 Rice Football recruiting class is available here.

Each profile was written at the time of the commitment. Some secondary details may have changed, but player information and analysis remains relevant. As available, each profile will include relevant highlights and news regarding each recruit.

Important dates to know

The early signing period takes place from December 18 to December 20. The Owls signed a large portion of their 2019 class early and expect to do the same in 2020. Recruits who don’t sign will wait until National Signing Day which falls on the first Wednesday of February.

What if this list doesn’t match a major recruiting service?

Recruiting services such as 247 and Rivals typically prioritize the highest-rated players. It’s not uncommon for 2-star and even 3-star players to not be accounted for immediately. The delay could become even more significant following 247’s changes to their recruiting model for the coming 2019 year. Players won’t be considered for their composite ranking until they get a ranking by 247 themselves. The list above includes walk ons.

All football recruiting updates are maintained on our recruiting page. More timely updates can be found by following The Roost on Twitter and Facebook. Have questions? Reach out on either of those platforms, post in The Aviary, or shoot us a message using the contact form.

Latest updates

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Rice Football Recruiting: WR Preston Jackson commits to Owls

Posted: September 14, 2025

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Rice Football Recruiting: Owls Ready for Big Visit Weekend

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Rice Football Recruiting: DL Ian Harrell commits to Owls

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