The first player in the 2023 Rice Football recruiting class is a quarterback. Alief Taylor signal-caller Chase Jenkins has committed to the Owls.
On the week of National Signing Day last month, the offer list for the 2023 Rice Football recruiting class saw a major uptick in volume. Rice extended a fresh wave of new offers throughout that week, including a host of local players, including Chase Jenkins, quarterback at Alief Taylor High School. After mulling the offer for a few weeks, Jenkins has committed to the Owls and become the first member of the 2023 class.
“Being the first member is something special and I’m thankful,” Jenkins told The Roost. “I’ll definitely be active in recruiting in however I can. I love football, I’m all about team and brotherhood so I’m all in.”
Jenkins chose the Owls over other offers from Lamar and Jackson State. Following a run of transfer players at the position in previous classes, Jackson will continue the recent trend of high school passers Rice has brought into the fold in recent classes. Rice signed Reedy (TX) quarterback AJ Padgett in the 2022 class following the addition of Florida quarterback Shawqi Itraish in 2021.
For Jenkins, being a part of a family, a home away from home, played a crucial role in his decision. “Going to school and playing football can be done at different places,” he said. “Doing it where it feels like a home away from home was important to me.”
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There’s a ton to like when it comes to his on-field prowess as well. Jenkins prides himself on the “behind the scenes work”, digging into film and preparation however he can. It shows on the film. He’s accurate, polished and can make plays off schedule. His ability to get the ball where it needs to be at the right time is exciting. Jenkins can throw players open, an uncommon trait for high school passers.
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