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Rice Football 2025 Spring Practice Notebook 3: Defense takes shape

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The first signs of a hierarchy within the Rice football defense are beginning to form as the Owls work through the first few weeks of spring ball.

So much focus has, understandably, been given to the Rice football offense as it installs a new scheme under head coach Scott Abell. And while that has been fun to watch and filled with unexpected twists and developments, the relatively smooth deployment of the defensive scheme under first-year DC Jon Kay has begun to crystallize.

More: Spring Practice Notebook 2 — Unpacking the offense and QBs

This update digs into what potential starting roles on defense are nearly secured, which pieces are fighting for meaningful depth spots and a host of other spots still up for grabs as spring progresses.

Early contenders for First Teamers

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Rice Football Recruiting: SAF Jo Chavez commits to Owls

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The Transfer Portal continues to be good to the 2025 Rice Football Recruiting class. JUCO safety Jo Chavez has committed to the Owls.

Christmas came a bit early for the 2025 Rice Football recruiting class. Roughly an hour after an announcement that wide receiver Aaron Turner would be transferring to Rice the Owls added another new face. JUCO safety Jo Chavez has committed to the Owls.

Following a freshman standout season at Saddleback College, Chavez entered the Transfer Portal where picked up offers from Rice, Eastern Illinois and Eastern Washington. Chavez didn’t waste any time once Rice entered the picture, committing four days after his offer from the Owls.

Chavez will have three seasons of eligibility remaining when he arrives on campus at South Main where he’ll look to contribute quickly to a defensive back room that turns over many of its starters from a season ago. He’ll be joined by fellow JUCO defensive back Jerrick Harper, the first transfer addition for Scott Abell and company, who committed to Rice the week prior.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

Standing 6-foot-1 and checking in at 195 pounds on the scale, Chavez is as physical as they come in the secondary with good hands, too. The lanky defensive back has good vision and explodes to the ball, fearless at the point of attack both aspects that jump out on his film. He promises to make his fair share of big plays when he suits up for the Blue and Grey.

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