Owls Add 17 During Early Signing Period
12/18/2019 7:14:00 AM | Football
Four signees to enroll in January
Dunleive Family Head Football Coach Mike Bloomgren capped the NCAA's early signing period with the announcement of a 17-player class who will join the Owls for the 2020 football season.
The roster features 13 high school seniors who recently completed their seasons and will join the program in the summer and four players (Mike Collins, TJ McMahon, Adam Sheriff and Jovaun Woolford) who will join the Owls in January and participate in spring practice.
"I am beyond excited to welcome 17 new Owls today," Bloomgren said. "As we head into Year Three, the roster is in a good place. It's starting to come back into balance and we're starting to see the classes have the numbers that you want to see. We've done what we said we needed to do. We've raised the floor and raised the ceiling in this program. We can't wait for these new guys to step on to campus as soon as they can get here. As we mentioned, four will join us in January and the other 13 will join us in June."
The 17 signees come from nine states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas). In his third recruiting season with the Owls, Bloomgren has added players from 16 states to a roster he inherited in 2017 that had players from five states.
Kobie Campbell RB 5-7 165 Missouri City, TX (Hightower)
All-District 10-5A D1 as a senior safety for coach Joseph Sam, leading Hightower back to the playoffs thanks to a 5-2 record in the district… Four-year letterman and three-year starter… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100… Academic All-State honorable mention.
Associate Head Coach/OC/Running Backs coach Jerry Mack on Campbell: "Lightning quick and has the ability to get to his top end speed extremely fast. returns kicks and punts and has big play ability every time he touches the ball."
Mike Collins QB 6-5 225 New Canaan, CT (TCU)
Graduate transfer from TCU who will enroll in January… Played for two seasons with the Horned Frogs after beginning his career at Penn… Threw for 1,059 yards while completing 79 of 140 passes with six touchdowns in nine games of action in 2018 and was 3-5 for 49 yards in 2019… Made his starting debut vs. Kansas in 2018 and completed 23-of-33 for 351 yards and one touchdown and added two scores on the ground… Made a total of four starts (Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia, Baylor)… Played in four games at Penn as a freshman in 2016 before transferring to TCU and sitting out the 2017 season… First-team all-state, first-team All-FCIAC, Hearst Connecticut Super 33 Team, Walter Camp All-Star and MSG Varsity All-Connecticut Team as a senior at New Canaan High School (same school as current Owl Garrett Braden)… Threw for 3,414 yards and a Connecticut-record 54 touchdowns as a senior and for 89 career touchdowns, fifth most in Connecticut history.
Quarterbacks coach Robbie Picazo on Collins: "Prototype quarterback who can make all the throws, and has the athletic ability to extend plays with his feet."
Jordan Dunbar CB 5-11 180 Tarrytown, NY (Iona Prep)
Two-year standout for coach Joe Spagnolo who helped lead the Gaels to an 8-1 record and the semifinals of the New York Catholic High School League AAA state playoffs… Undefeated in league play… Earned all-league honors after compiling 44 tackles (four for loss) and breaking up 12 passes as a senior… Credited with 71 tackles (nine for loss), four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 25 breakups in his career… USA Today All-State as a junior (2019 team to be announced later in December)… Comes from the same program as current Owls' offensive lineman Derrick Ferraro… A member of the African American Society, Political Science Club and Chemistry Club.. Father (JeRome Dunbar) played basketball at Albany State and mother (Juliet Armstrong) ran track at Harvard… Cousin of Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who played at Boston College and for eight seasons in the NFL with the Saints and Rams.
Cornerbacks coach Gerard Wilcher on Dunbar: "A very long athlete who we expect to come and compete for playing time."
Sean Fresch ATH 5-8 170 Austin, TX (LBJ)
Unanimous All-District 12-5A selection as a kick returner as well as a first-team selection at running back as a senior for coach Jahmal Fenner Sr… Compiled 1,377 all-purpose yards (496 rushing, 343 receiving, 418 punt returns, 80 kickoff returns) and scored 12 touchdowns on offense and credited with 27 tackles (three for loss), picked off a pair of passes and forced two fumbles in addition to having a long punt of 64 yards as a senior… Defensive MVP of District 12-5A and an All-Centex selection by the Austin American Statesman as a junior… Also played baseball and competed in track… State qualifier in the long jump in Texas Class 5A (22-2) and finished eighth with a jump of 21-8.25… National Honor Society… Boys and Girls Club.
Cornerbacks coach Gerard Wilcher on Fresch: "Dynamic playmaker who will be expected to compete for playing time and contribute from Day 1 on special teams."
Khalan Griffin RB 5-10 200 Tyler, TX (Chapel Hill)
Versatile standout as both a quarterback and running back during his high school career who will join the Owls running back corps… Rushed for 366 yards and five touchdowns in two games as a senior for coach Jeff Riordan at Chapel Hill before an injury cut short his season… Preseason 1st Team All-East Texas Dream Team heading into 2019… Member of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Played quarterback at Bullard Brook Hill as a junior and led the Guard to the TAPPS playoffs, throwing for 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns and rushing for 1,495 yards and 23 TDs… Started at QB at Chapel Hill as a sophomore and threw for 1,514 yards and 23 touchdowns and added 1,018 yards and 11 TDs on the ground to earn District 9-4A D1 Newcomer of the Year…Also competes in baseball and track… Finished second in the 100 meters at the TAPPS state championship as a junior… National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society … Academic All-State honorable mention.
Associate Head Coach/OC/Running Backs coach Jerry Mack on Griffin: "Possesses great versatility. His ability be a physical runner and catch passes out of the backfield will allow him to come in and compete for a role in our offense immediately."
Geron Hargon LB 6-2 220 Shreveport, LA (Captain Shreve)
Standout linebacker for coach Bryant Sepulvado at Captain Shreve High School who saw his senior season cut short in his second game… Returned a fumble for a 60-yard touchdown on his final play…Preseason All-Louisiana and on The Shreveport Times Top Ten All-Area team heading into his senior year... Four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Gators and was credited with 130 tackles (20 for loss, 10.5 sacks), recovered four fumbles, forced three and intercepted a pair of passes in his career… All-District 1-5A as a junior… Student Council, FCA, National Honor Society, Class Vice-President, FBLA, First United Methodist Church Youth Group… Distinguished Scholar, HOBY award winner, Scholastic Writing Award Silver Key Recipient, FCA President… FBLA Conference 1st place (Sports Management) 2018.
Linebackers coach Scott Vestal on Hargon: "Geron is a downhill player. He will be great here. Geron will make balll carriers in our conference very uncomfortable for years to come."
Nate Kamper TE 6-6 210 Fort Hood, TX (Killeen)
Two-time All-District 12-6A second team selection for coach Neil Searcy at Killeen… Caught 15 passes for 121 yards as a senior and 36 for 426 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his career as a three-year starter… Father (Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper) is the deputy commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood… Academic All-State second team… Eagle Scout… National Honor Society- Vice President… Student To Student… Club Beyond.
Tight Ends coach Bill Best on Kamper: "Possesses very good speed and flexibility. His catch radius is extremely big and he plays with an edge in the run game. I'm excited to see him develop in our offense."
Cole Latos DL 6-5 270 Allen, TX (Allen)
All-District 9-6A as a senior for coach Terry Gambil as the Eagles won the Bi-District title and finished 11-1… Credited with 34 tackles, including a pair of sacks, three quarterback hits and one pass breakup as a senior… Finished with 66 tackles, five for loss (three sacks) in two years of varsity action as the Eagles were a combined 27-2 and reached the 6A D1 semifinals in his junior year… Also played baseball and earned All-District 6-6A honors as a sophomore DH… Academic All-State second team… PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership).
Defensive Line coach Cedric Calhoun on Latos: "With his size, length, and his athleticism his ceiling is going to be high. He's a very mature young man that with a lot of talent."
Mike Leone OL 6-5 270 Bryn Mawr, PA (The Hun School)
All Mid-Atlantic Prep League as a junior and senior for coach Todd Smith as the Raiders won the New Jersey state prep title and the MAPL title in his junior year… Two-year starter leading the way for an offense that averaged 37.6 points per game and was a combined 14-3… Three-year letterman in both football and track… First Rice recruit from Pennsylvania since defensive Jimmy Shaw (Spring Grove) in 2002… Born in Bermuda… Father (John Leone) played basketball at William and Mary, uncle (Chris Leone) was a kicker at Georgia Tech and his grandfather (Michael Leone) played football at Dartmouth.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Leone: "A physical blocker with the tools and mindset to become dominant."
Andrew Mason WR 5-10 155 Spring Hill, TN (Ravenwood)
6A Tennessee Mr Football Semifinalist and Region 6-6A Co-Offensive Player of the Year for coach Matt Daniels as the Raptors reached the state championship game and finished with a 13-2 record… First scholarship player from Tennessee for the Owls since Jeremy Bates transferred to Rice in 1996… Four-year letterman and three-year starter… Tied the Tennessee state record and fell one shy of the national high school mark by catching seven touchdowns vs. Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.).. Finished the night with eight receptions for 356 yards and also ran for a score..Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.). Caught 48 passes for 1,117 yards (23.2 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns as senior and had 111 receptions for 2,123 yards (19.1 yards per catch) and 32 touchdowns in his career… Academic President's List … School Broadcasting Team Member... Sister (Brianna Mason) became the first African-American woman to be named Miss Tennessee in 2019 and went on to compete in the Miss America pageant.
Wide Receivers coach Mike Kershaw on Mason: "Andrew is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. His straight line speed is great at a 4.38 40 but his short area quickness is even better."
TJ McMahon QB 6-0 195 Anaheim, CA (Cerritos College)
Set a school record for completion percentage and led Cerritos to a 7-4 record and a win over Ventura College in the Joe Kapp Real Estate Beach Bowl… Completed 65.8% of his passes (194-of-295) for 2,667 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions for coach Dean Grosfeld … His passing yards rank second in school history… Ranked as the 10th best pro-style JC QB by JCGridiron.com… First Cerritos product to sign with Rice since Jim Willard in 1980… Spent a season as a walk-on at Mississippi State before transferring to Cerritos… All Trinity League as a senior at Servite High School for coach Scott Meyer in his only season at quarterback… Threw for 2,155 yards and 22 touchdowns and ran for 1,003 and 13 scores after switching from wide receiver… Played against fellow Owl Jake Bailey in high school… Older brother Ryan is a second baseman with the Colorado Rockies.
Quarterbacks coach Robbie Picazo on McMahon: "Extremely accurate passer who is also a dynamic and elusive athlete."
Braedon Nutter OL 6-3 290 Tomball, TX (Memorial)
Two-time unanimous All-District 14-6A selection and two-time team captain for coach Sam Parker… Three-year starter for the Wildcats and led them to a Bi-District title in 2019… Switched to center as a senior after starting for two years at defensive tackle… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 and Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston's Outstanding Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year… Also played basketball for three years… Academic All-State second team… National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, 4-year PLTW Stem program plan for Engineering.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Nutter: "A perfect fit for our brand of football — physical with a nasty attitude."
Trey Phillippi OT 6-5 260 Montgomery, TX (Montgomery)
Three-year starter for coach John Bolfing at Montgomery on the offensive line… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100… Three-time academic all-district… Named Montgomery's Sophomore of the Year in his first year of varsity action… Plays basketball and competes in shot and discus in track… Played against fellow Rice recruit Braedon Nutter in basketball… Student Council member… FCA… Student pilot
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Phillippi: "A true tackle with ideal length, agility, strength, and smarts."
Jalen Reeves RUSH 6-0 210 Hollywood, FL (NSU University)
Three-time 4A All-State selection for coach Daniel Luque at University School… Helped spark the Sharks to an 8-3 record as a senior compiling 60 tackles, 30 for loss (14 sacks), blocking a pair of field goals, forcing two fumbles and recovering one… Finished his career with 55 sacks and over 100 tackles for loss… Cousins Neru N'Shaka (Toledo) and Calvin Jackson Jr. (Washington State) played collegiately in 2019, while Calvin Sr. played at Auburn and in the NFL with the Dolphins from 1994-99… National Honor Society.
Assistance and Leadership).
Defensive Line coach Cedric Calhoun on Reeves: "Another one whose motor is hot from sideline to sideline. He plays on different platforms. He dominates the trenches on the 1st and 2nd levels. Great player with a great IQ."
Adam Sheriff OL 6-4 285 Prosper, TX (Butler CC)
Transfer from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas where he played one season for coach Tim Schaffner… Will enroll in January and participate in spring drills… Played for coach Brandon Schmidt at Prosper as the Eagles won the Bi-District title… Product of the same district (9-6A) as fellow signees Cole Latos and Plae Wyatt… All-District 9-6A selection in baseball as a DH as a senior in 2018 while leading Prosper to the Region 2 semifinals.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Sheriff: "A natural athlete with tremendous potential and the ability to play multiple positions on the line."
Jovaun Woolford OL 6-5 285 Des Plaines, IL (Colgate University)
Graduate transfer from Colgate who will enroll in January… Made a total of 21 starts and saw action in 32 games with the Raiders… Played in 11 games and made nine starts as a senior after missing most of his junior year after an injury in the opening game… Made six starts at left tackle and three on the right side in 2019… Earned All Patriot League honors from league coaches in 2017 after anchoring a Raider offensive line that allowed Colgate to lead the league in rushing as well as fewest sacks… Preseason All-Patriot League in 2018… Two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll… All-Area selection at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois as a senior where he also served as a team captain for coach Jason Kradman.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Woolford: "A great blend of physicality, athleticism who will add great experience to our offensive line unit."
Plae Wyatt SAF 5-11 200 McKinney, TX (Boyd)
All-District 9-6A second team as a senior for coach Joe McBride, ending the season with 110 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.. Returned to Boyd where he began his career on the varsity as a freshman after playing as a junior at Dallas Bishop Lynch… Earned first-team all-district and second-team, all-state honors in TAPPS Division I for coach Chuck Faucette as a junior… Played with current Owl Jack Bradley at Bishop Lynch and against fellow signee Cole Latos as a senior in District 9-6A… Made 42 starts at the varsity level in his career and had seven interceptions, five fumble recoveries and five defensive touchdowns in addition to over 300 tackles… TAPPS Academic All-State as a junior at Bishop Lynch and UIL honorable mention as a senior at Boyd… Member of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Dallas Morning News Top 50.
Defensive Coordinator and safeties coach Brian Smith on Wyatt: "Physical, high energy Safety who loves the game and plays with a lot of passion. He has the ability to play all 3 of our Safety positions because of his ability to tackle in space, cover man to man in the slot, and can track the ball in deep zone coverage."
The roster features 13 high school seniors who recently completed their seasons and will join the program in the summer and four players (Mike Collins, TJ McMahon, Adam Sheriff and Jovaun Woolford) who will join the Owls in January and participate in spring practice.
"I am beyond excited to welcome 17 new Owls today," Bloomgren said. "As we head into Year Three, the roster is in a good place. It's starting to come back into balance and we're starting to see the classes have the numbers that you want to see. We've done what we said we needed to do. We've raised the floor and raised the ceiling in this program. We can't wait for these new guys to step on to campus as soon as they can get here. As we mentioned, four will join us in January and the other 13 will join us in June."
The 17 signees come from nine states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas). In his third recruiting season with the Owls, Bloomgren has added players from 16 states to a roster he inherited in 2017 that had players from five states.
2020 RICE OWLS FOOTBALL EARLY SIGNEES
| NAME | POS | HT | WT | HOMETOWN (SCHOOL) |
| Kobie Campbel | RB | 5-7 | 165 | Missouri City, TX (Hightower) |
| Mike Collins | QB | 6-5 | 225 | New Canaan, CT (TCU) |
| Jordan Dunbar | CB | 5-11 | 180 | Tarrytown, NY (Iona Prep) |
| Sean Fresch | ATH | 5-8 | 170 | Austin, TX (LBJ) |
| Khalan Griffin | RB | 5-10 | 200 | Tyler, TX (Chapel Hill) |
| Geron Hargon | LB | 6-2 | 220 | Shreveport, LA (Captain Shreve) |
| Nate Kamper | TE | 6-6 | 210 | Fort Hood, TX (Killeen) |
| Cole Latos | DL | 6-5 | 270 | Allen,TX (Allen) |
| Mike Leone | OL | 6-5 | 270 | Bryn Mawr, PA (The Hun School) |
| Andrew Mason | WR | 5-10 | 155 | Spring Hill, TN (Ravenwood) |
| TJ McMahon | QB | 6-0 | 195 | Anaheim, CA (Cerritos College |
| Braedon Nutter | OL | 6-3 | 290 | Tomball, TX (Memorial) |
| Trey Phillippi | OT | 6-5 | 260 | Montgomery, TX (Montgomery) |
| Jalen Reeves | RUSH | 6-0 | 210 | Hollywood, FL (NSU University) |
| Adam Sheriff | OL | 6-4 | 285 | Prosper, TX (Butler CC) |
| Jovaun Woolford | OL | 6-5 | 285 | Des Plaines, IL (Colgate University) |
| Plae Wyatt | SAF | 5-11 | 200 | McKinney, TX (Boyd) |
Kobie Campbell RB 5-7 165 Missouri City, TX (Hightower)
All-District 10-5A D1 as a senior safety for coach Joseph Sam, leading Hightower back to the playoffs thanks to a 5-2 record in the district… Four-year letterman and three-year starter… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100… Academic All-State honorable mention.
Associate Head Coach/OC/Running Backs coach Jerry Mack on Campbell: "Lightning quick and has the ability to get to his top end speed extremely fast. returns kicks and punts and has big play ability every time he touches the ball."
Mike Collins QB 6-5 225 New Canaan, CT (TCU)
Graduate transfer from TCU who will enroll in January… Played for two seasons with the Horned Frogs after beginning his career at Penn… Threw for 1,059 yards while completing 79 of 140 passes with six touchdowns in nine games of action in 2018 and was 3-5 for 49 yards in 2019… Made his starting debut vs. Kansas in 2018 and completed 23-of-33 for 351 yards and one touchdown and added two scores on the ground… Made a total of four starts (Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia, Baylor)… Played in four games at Penn as a freshman in 2016 before transferring to TCU and sitting out the 2017 season… First-team all-state, first-team All-FCIAC, Hearst Connecticut Super 33 Team, Walter Camp All-Star and MSG Varsity All-Connecticut Team as a senior at New Canaan High School (same school as current Owl Garrett Braden)… Threw for 3,414 yards and a Connecticut-record 54 touchdowns as a senior and for 89 career touchdowns, fifth most in Connecticut history.
Quarterbacks coach Robbie Picazo on Collins: "Prototype quarterback who can make all the throws, and has the athletic ability to extend plays with his feet."
Jordan Dunbar CB 5-11 180 Tarrytown, NY (Iona Prep)
Two-year standout for coach Joe Spagnolo who helped lead the Gaels to an 8-1 record and the semifinals of the New York Catholic High School League AAA state playoffs… Undefeated in league play… Earned all-league honors after compiling 44 tackles (four for loss) and breaking up 12 passes as a senior… Credited with 71 tackles (nine for loss), four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 25 breakups in his career… USA Today All-State as a junior (2019 team to be announced later in December)… Comes from the same program as current Owls' offensive lineman Derrick Ferraro… A member of the African American Society, Political Science Club and Chemistry Club.. Father (JeRome Dunbar) played basketball at Albany State and mother (Juliet Armstrong) ran track at Harvard… Cousin of Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who played at Boston College and for eight seasons in the NFL with the Saints and Rams.
Cornerbacks coach Gerard Wilcher on Dunbar: "A very long athlete who we expect to come and compete for playing time."
Sean Fresch ATH 5-8 170 Austin, TX (LBJ)
Unanimous All-District 12-5A selection as a kick returner as well as a first-team selection at running back as a senior for coach Jahmal Fenner Sr… Compiled 1,377 all-purpose yards (496 rushing, 343 receiving, 418 punt returns, 80 kickoff returns) and scored 12 touchdowns on offense and credited with 27 tackles (three for loss), picked off a pair of passes and forced two fumbles in addition to having a long punt of 64 yards as a senior… Defensive MVP of District 12-5A and an All-Centex selection by the Austin American Statesman as a junior… Also played baseball and competed in track… State qualifier in the long jump in Texas Class 5A (22-2) and finished eighth with a jump of 21-8.25… National Honor Society… Boys and Girls Club.
Cornerbacks coach Gerard Wilcher on Fresch: "Dynamic playmaker who will be expected to compete for playing time and contribute from Day 1 on special teams."
Khalan Griffin RB 5-10 200 Tyler, TX (Chapel Hill)
Versatile standout as both a quarterback and running back during his high school career who will join the Owls running back corps… Rushed for 366 yards and five touchdowns in two games as a senior for coach Jeff Riordan at Chapel Hill before an injury cut short his season… Preseason 1st Team All-East Texas Dream Team heading into 2019… Member of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Played quarterback at Bullard Brook Hill as a junior and led the Guard to the TAPPS playoffs, throwing for 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns and rushing for 1,495 yards and 23 TDs… Started at QB at Chapel Hill as a sophomore and threw for 1,514 yards and 23 touchdowns and added 1,018 yards and 11 TDs on the ground to earn District 9-4A D1 Newcomer of the Year…Also competes in baseball and track… Finished second in the 100 meters at the TAPPS state championship as a junior… National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society … Academic All-State honorable mention.
Associate Head Coach/OC/Running Backs coach Jerry Mack on Griffin: "Possesses great versatility. His ability be a physical runner and catch passes out of the backfield will allow him to come in and compete for a role in our offense immediately."
Geron Hargon LB 6-2 220 Shreveport, LA (Captain Shreve)
Standout linebacker for coach Bryant Sepulvado at Captain Shreve High School who saw his senior season cut short in his second game… Returned a fumble for a 60-yard touchdown on his final play…Preseason All-Louisiana and on The Shreveport Times Top Ten All-Area team heading into his senior year... Four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Gators and was credited with 130 tackles (20 for loss, 10.5 sacks), recovered four fumbles, forced three and intercepted a pair of passes in his career… All-District 1-5A as a junior… Student Council, FCA, National Honor Society, Class Vice-President, FBLA, First United Methodist Church Youth Group… Distinguished Scholar, HOBY award winner, Scholastic Writing Award Silver Key Recipient, FCA President… FBLA Conference 1st place (Sports Management) 2018.
Linebackers coach Scott Vestal on Hargon: "Geron is a downhill player. He will be great here. Geron will make balll carriers in our conference very uncomfortable for years to come."
Nate Kamper TE 6-6 210 Fort Hood, TX (Killeen)
Two-time All-District 12-6A second team selection for coach Neil Searcy at Killeen… Caught 15 passes for 121 yards as a senior and 36 for 426 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his career as a three-year starter… Father (Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper) is the deputy commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood… Academic All-State second team… Eagle Scout… National Honor Society- Vice President… Student To Student… Club Beyond.
Tight Ends coach Bill Best on Kamper: "Possesses very good speed and flexibility. His catch radius is extremely big and he plays with an edge in the run game. I'm excited to see him develop in our offense."
Cole Latos DL 6-5 270 Allen, TX (Allen)
All-District 9-6A as a senior for coach Terry Gambil as the Eagles won the Bi-District title and finished 11-1… Credited with 34 tackles, including a pair of sacks, three quarterback hits and one pass breakup as a senior… Finished with 66 tackles, five for loss (three sacks) in two years of varsity action as the Eagles were a combined 27-2 and reached the 6A D1 semifinals in his junior year… Also played baseball and earned All-District 6-6A honors as a sophomore DH… Academic All-State second team… PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership).
Defensive Line coach Cedric Calhoun on Latos: "With his size, length, and his athleticism his ceiling is going to be high. He's a very mature young man that with a lot of talent."
Mike Leone OL 6-5 270 Bryn Mawr, PA (The Hun School)
All Mid-Atlantic Prep League as a junior and senior for coach Todd Smith as the Raiders won the New Jersey state prep title and the MAPL title in his junior year… Two-year starter leading the way for an offense that averaged 37.6 points per game and was a combined 14-3… Three-year letterman in both football and track… First Rice recruit from Pennsylvania since defensive Jimmy Shaw (Spring Grove) in 2002… Born in Bermuda… Father (John Leone) played basketball at William and Mary, uncle (Chris Leone) was a kicker at Georgia Tech and his grandfather (Michael Leone) played football at Dartmouth.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Leone: "A physical blocker with the tools and mindset to become dominant."
Andrew Mason WR 5-10 155 Spring Hill, TN (Ravenwood)
6A Tennessee Mr Football Semifinalist and Region 6-6A Co-Offensive Player of the Year for coach Matt Daniels as the Raptors reached the state championship game and finished with a 13-2 record… First scholarship player from Tennessee for the Owls since Jeremy Bates transferred to Rice in 1996… Four-year letterman and three-year starter… Tied the Tennessee state record and fell one shy of the national high school mark by catching seven touchdowns vs. Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.).. Finished the night with eight receptions for 356 yards and also ran for a score..Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, Ark.). Caught 48 passes for 1,117 yards (23.2 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns as senior and had 111 receptions for 2,123 yards (19.1 yards per catch) and 32 touchdowns in his career… Academic President's List … School Broadcasting Team Member... Sister (Brianna Mason) became the first African-American woman to be named Miss Tennessee in 2019 and went on to compete in the Miss America pageant.
Wide Receivers coach Mike Kershaw on Mason: "Andrew is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. His straight line speed is great at a 4.38 40 but his short area quickness is even better."
TJ McMahon QB 6-0 195 Anaheim, CA (Cerritos College)
Set a school record for completion percentage and led Cerritos to a 7-4 record and a win over Ventura College in the Joe Kapp Real Estate Beach Bowl… Completed 65.8% of his passes (194-of-295) for 2,667 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only five interceptions for coach Dean Grosfeld … His passing yards rank second in school history… Ranked as the 10th best pro-style JC QB by JCGridiron.com… First Cerritos product to sign with Rice since Jim Willard in 1980… Spent a season as a walk-on at Mississippi State before transferring to Cerritos… All Trinity League as a senior at Servite High School for coach Scott Meyer in his only season at quarterback… Threw for 2,155 yards and 22 touchdowns and ran for 1,003 and 13 scores after switching from wide receiver… Played against fellow Owl Jake Bailey in high school… Older brother Ryan is a second baseman with the Colorado Rockies.
Quarterbacks coach Robbie Picazo on McMahon: "Extremely accurate passer who is also a dynamic and elusive athlete."
Braedon Nutter OL 6-3 290 Tomball, TX (Memorial)
Two-time unanimous All-District 14-6A selection and two-time team captain for coach Sam Parker… Three-year starter for the Wildcats and led them to a Bi-District title in 2019… Switched to center as a senior after starting for two years at defensive tackle… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100 and Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston's Outstanding Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year… Also played basketball for three years… Academic All-State second team… National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, 4-year PLTW Stem program plan for Engineering.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Nutter: "A perfect fit for our brand of football — physical with a nasty attitude."
Trey Phillippi OT 6-5 260 Montgomery, TX (Montgomery)
Three-year starter for coach John Bolfing at Montgomery on the offensive line… Member of the Houston Chronicle's Top 100… Three-time academic all-district… Named Montgomery's Sophomore of the Year in his first year of varsity action… Plays basketball and competes in shot and discus in track… Played against fellow Rice recruit Braedon Nutter in basketball… Student Council member… FCA… Student pilot
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Phillippi: "A true tackle with ideal length, agility, strength, and smarts."
Jalen Reeves RUSH 6-0 210 Hollywood, FL (NSU University)
Three-time 4A All-State selection for coach Daniel Luque at University School… Helped spark the Sharks to an 8-3 record as a senior compiling 60 tackles, 30 for loss (14 sacks), blocking a pair of field goals, forcing two fumbles and recovering one… Finished his career with 55 sacks and over 100 tackles for loss… Cousins Neru N'Shaka (Toledo) and Calvin Jackson Jr. (Washington State) played collegiately in 2019, while Calvin Sr. played at Auburn and in the NFL with the Dolphins from 1994-99… National Honor Society.
Assistance and Leadership).
Defensive Line coach Cedric Calhoun on Reeves: "Another one whose motor is hot from sideline to sideline. He plays on different platforms. He dominates the trenches on the 1st and 2nd levels. Great player with a great IQ."
Adam Sheriff OL 6-4 285 Prosper, TX (Butler CC)
Transfer from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas where he played one season for coach Tim Schaffner… Will enroll in January and participate in spring drills… Played for coach Brandon Schmidt at Prosper as the Eagles won the Bi-District title… Product of the same district (9-6A) as fellow signees Cole Latos and Plae Wyatt… All-District 9-6A selection in baseball as a DH as a senior in 2018 while leading Prosper to the Region 2 semifinals.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Sheriff: "A natural athlete with tremendous potential and the ability to play multiple positions on the line."
Jovaun Woolford OL 6-5 285 Des Plaines, IL (Colgate University)
Graduate transfer from Colgate who will enroll in January… Made a total of 21 starts and saw action in 32 games with the Raiders… Played in 11 games and made nine starts as a senior after missing most of his junior year after an injury in the opening game… Made six starts at left tackle and three on the right side in 2019… Earned All Patriot League honors from league coaches in 2017 after anchoring a Raider offensive line that allowed Colgate to lead the league in rushing as well as fewest sacks… Preseason All-Patriot League in 2018… Two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll… All-Area selection at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois as a senior where he also served as a team captain for coach Jason Kradman.
Offensive Line coach Joe Ashfield on Woolford: "A great blend of physicality, athleticism who will add great experience to our offensive line unit."
Plae Wyatt SAF 5-11 200 McKinney, TX (Boyd)
All-District 9-6A second team as a senior for coach Joe McBride, ending the season with 110 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.. Returned to Boyd where he began his career on the varsity as a freshman after playing as a junior at Dallas Bishop Lynch… Earned first-team all-district and second-team, all-state honors in TAPPS Division I for coach Chuck Faucette as a junior… Played with current Owl Jack Bradley at Bishop Lynch and against fellow signee Cole Latos as a senior in District 9-6A… Made 42 starts at the varsity level in his career and had seven interceptions, five fumble recoveries and five defensive touchdowns in addition to over 300 tackles… TAPPS Academic All-State as a junior at Bishop Lynch and UIL honorable mention as a senior at Boyd… Member of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Top 300… Dallas Morning News Top 50.
Defensive Coordinator and safeties coach Brian Smith on Wyatt: "Physical, high energy Safety who loves the game and plays with a lot of passion. He has the ability to play all 3 of our Safety positions because of his ability to tackle in space, cover man to man in the slot, and can track the ball in deep zone coverage."
Players Mentioned
WBB: Rice vs. Marshall Postgame Presser
Wednesday, March 09
VB: Rice-Texas Postgame Presser
Saturday, December 04
VB: Rice-San Diego Postgame Presser
Thursday, December 02