Rice football is closing in on the completion of their 2019 recruiting class. Their latest official visit weekend was a big success.

The Owls picked up one commitment and got closer with several key targets over the weekend. The 2019 class now sits at 18 players with one more big weekend planned between now and National Signing Day in early February.

Defensive targets

The Myron Morrison decision was an important yes for the Owls over the weekend. His physicality fits right into the mentality that defensive coordinator wants to bring to this defense.

The defensive tackle situation didn’t work out quite as favorably. Rice had some concerns about Cooper Laake’s health entering the fall. Given the need for impact quickly at the position, Rice is going to hold off on offering Laake. There’s also a chance he takes the JUCO route and the Owls take a further look at him next year.

Transfers

The Owls made a strong impression on several transfer targets over the weekend. Stanford teammates Brian Chaffin and Reagan Williams were both offered and remain in play for the 2019 class, but I got the impression they’re going to take their time and think things over. Both players would be huge gets for Rice, so expect the pursuit to be relentless by the staff.

Quarterbacks

Rice didn’t offer Harvard quarterback Tom Stewart just yet, but both sides are still in contact as National Signing Day approaches. On the other hand, Jovonni Johnson, left with an offer and was thrilled with his trip to campus. He raved about the family atmosphere and spoke highly of the staff and fellow players. He’s got one more official visit lined up, but Rice is firmly in the driver’s seat in his recruitment.

Potential Houston transfers

Outside of those two, Rice is still perusing other alternatives as safety nets. I can confidently say former Houston signee Levi Williams is not high on the Owls’ list. He was recently released from his commitment by new head coach Dana Holgorsen, but doesn’t offer the same versatility as someone like Johnson.

As for the rest of the Houston players returning to the open market, Rice is taking a close look. If things work out for both parties the Owls could be in play to take the right guy or two.

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The 2019 Rice football recruiting class picked up its first addition after the early signing period with the commitment of linebacker Myron Morrison.

Rice signed 17 players in the early signing period in mid-December, leaving room for a handful of additional players slated to sign on National Signing Day. The coaching staff has been hard at work, hosting several key targets as soon as the dead period ended on January 11. Linebacker Myron Morrison, one of those targets who was on campus this weekend. He received an offer on Sunday and has committed to Rice.

The 6-foot-2, 193-pound outside linebacker won’t travel far from home to play for the Owls next season. The soon-to-be graduate of Atascocita High School is staying local, passing over offers from Colorado State and Air Force as well as fellow Houston-based schools Texas Southern and HBU.

Morrison will fit in nicely between safety Hunter Henry and defensive tackle Izeya Floyd, two of his future teammates who were with him on campus this weekend.

Building the family atmosphere and showcasing the culture of the Rice program continues to be a mainstay in the Rice recruiting process. Just about every official weekend features a mix of current commits, current players and heavy involvement by the staff. The results so far have been extremely promising.

Morrison joins Garrett Braden as the only linebackers in the 2019 class. Barring the emergence of a must-have type of player, the Owls will most likely stand pat with these two at the position this go around. They’ve got reason to be content. Braden is a winner and Morrison can deliver a hefty blow. Bringing in players who play with physicality has been a focal point of this offseason. Morrison certainly fits the bill.

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