The 2025 Rice Football Recruiting class gained some reinforcements in the trenches. Mary Hardin-Baylor transfer defensive lineman Dillan Botts has committed to the Owls.
Following a high school-centric Early Signing Period, the 2025 Rice Football recruiting class continues to pick up steam from Transfer Portal additions this winter. The latest hails from the DIII ranks. Sought after Mary Hardin-Baylor defensive tackle Dillan Botts has committed to the Owls.
Botts still racked up seven tackles for a loss and three sacks as a sophomore last season for Mary Hardin-Baylor, a longtime DIII powerhouse. Upon entering the portal he drew offers from the likes of Boise State, Texas State, North Texas and others. After time to consider his options, Botts chose South Main.
“The academic opportunities, degree and resources available at Rice can prepare you for the future,” Botts told The Roost regarding why he was drawn to Rice. “Also, the family atmosphere is unmatched.”
Botts played up and down the line last season but projects as primarily an interior player in the Rice defensive scheme which has historically been willing to take advantage of versatile players later Botts, who told The Roost he prides himself on that versatility and his ability to stop the run.
With Botts in the fold, Rice has quietly stockpiled an array of transfer commitments with the spring semester slated to begin soon. That includes a pair of offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a receiver and a former all AAC kicker.
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Whether one looks back at Botts’ high school film or the limited clips available from his time at Mary Hardin-Baylor, there’s a lot to like. For someone who stands 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, he moves quickly and meets would-be blockers with power. Getting a veteran presence in the defensive trenches was a must this offseason and Botts looks to have all the tools to fill that role.
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