The Michigan State Spartans have focused their recruiting efforts on the Midwest and West Coast, but Jonathan Smith, coach of three-star edge rusher Sheldon Rice, is eyeing the football-rich state of Texas. Mr. Smith served Rice on May 9th.
Rice is the No. 127 player in the state and the No. 54 edge rusher in the nation, according to 247Sports.
He had a standout junior season at Fulshear High School, about 45 minutes from downtown Houston, Rice estimates.
Last season, Rice had 63 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two forced fumbles.
Rice helped lead the Chargers to an undefeated regular season. The Chargers ultimately lost to A&M Consolidated 31-19 in the second round of the Texas 5A state playoffs.
Rice told Spartan Nation that the outcome could have been different.
“For the first time, I found someone I really wanted to crush.” [with us]”We lost a lot of guys this time last year, too, but we were out midway through the season, and I feel like that's going to be the case again this year,” Rice said.
Rice longs for the well-documented football atmosphere of his home state.
“The deeper you go, the more [in the playoffs] “More and more people are coming to the venue,” Rice said. “The lights start getting louder, the descent starts getting more difficult… everything starts squeezing, which is great.” I wouldn't change it. There was no light, no pressure, no nothing. ”
Michigan State arrived at Rice University later than most schools. He already has offers from a number of power schools. The recruit said Houston and Baylor are among his top teams.
Rice is a top prospect in the eyes of 247Sports. His player grade has been upgraded following recent evaluations.
“Aside from basketball, Rice has developed athleticism with a shot putt of 46 feet, 9 inches and a discus throw of 144 feet, 9 inches. In other words, the arrow should point firmly upwards for Rice's long-term prospects. …Rice plays with his hands on the ground at home at the high school level, but his considerable wingspan and sudden athleticism would make him well suited as a standing edge,” 247 Sports wrote. .
Rice spoke positively about Michigan State, saying he and the school have a good relationship.
Michael France is Sports Illustrated's Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Follow him on Twitter/X.@michaelfrancesi We bring you exclusive coverage of Spartans recruiting.
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