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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 2024: UTSA Game Week Practice Report

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Rice football is back in action this week against UTSA in search of a much-needed win. Here’s what we learned from the Owls at practice this week.

There was some good news on the injury front for Rice football over the bye week and lots of shifts and contortions with the depth chart as the Owls attempt to replace players still not able to participate and account for changing numbers in various position groups. Here’s where the team stands prior to the UTSA game this weekend.

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Running back ranks reset

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Rice Football 2024: Charlotte Game Week Practice Report

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Rice football takes on Charlotte this week with eyes on a bounce-back win. Here’s what we learned from the Owls at practice this week.

It’s midseason and injuries are starting to take a toll on the Rice football roster. The Owls have made a lot of adjustments to counteract those personnel losses this week and keep tweaking the offense as they go. How much improvement can they make in a short window of time as they face a must-win game against Charlotte on Saturday.

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Can I get a safety, please?

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Rice Football Depth Chart Questions and Stadium Notes: August 2024 Q&A

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The 2024 Rice Football season is around the corner. What does that mean for the depth chart and when are we getting news on the stadium front? Here’s the latest.

There’s a lot going on around South Main these days. Fall camp wrapped up last week and the 2024 Rice football season kicks off next week against Sam Houston on brand new turf that was utilized by the team for the first time on Friday morning. Could stadium news be coming soon? And what will the first depth chart of the season look like when it is officially released? This month’s Q&A focuses on those two topics.

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Q: Are we expecting any update on the plan for Rice Stadium in the near future?

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2024 Rice Football Season Preview: Defensive Line

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Next up in our 2024 Rice Football Season Preview: defensive line. Here’s our breakdown of the Owls’ plans for the group this season.

The defensive line has been a solid unit since head coach Mike Bloomgren arrived. Rice football has fielded several all-conference caliber players in the trenches, building on the consistency of having the same position coach, Cedric Calhoun, and same defensive coordinator, Brian Smith, for that entire time period. Armed with that consistency and the right mix of home grown talent and impactful transfers, there are high expectations for the unit this fall.

Rice Football Preseason Preview: Check out the rest of the series here.

This piece is part of our 2024 Rice Football Season Preview. Get access to it, as well as all other preview posts such as positional breakdowns, depth chart and schedule analysis and more when you subscribe on Patreon today. 

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** Photo credit Maria Lysaker **



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