When it comes to navigating the whirlwind that is the NCAA transfer portal, Ohio's defensive tackle Cam Rice is the latest standout making a splash. Within just a week of entering, Rice has seen a breathtaking 22 scholarship offers flood in. And don't think it's slowing down, as heavy hitters like Virginia Tech, Cal, UCF, Minnesota, Purdue, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi State, and West Virginia have all thrown their hats in the ring.
"The process has been very exciting and I have been pretty busy," Rice shared. "Pretty busy" might just be the understatement of the year. But true to form, Rice is handling this flurry of college interest with the same determined focus that's been his hallmark from day one.
The journey he's on reads like a highlight reel. From his quarterback days at Morgantown High School in West Virginia to walking on as a linebacker at West Virginia University, Rice has shown versatility. He then shifted gears at West Liberty, dominating the field as the Mountain East Conference Defensive Freshman of the Year, with a nomination for the Harlon Hill Award to boot in 2023.
Over two seasons at West Liberty, he racked up impressive stats: 89 tackles, of which 37 were for a loss, along with 14.5 sacks, 11 defended passes, and six forced fumbles. When he transitioned to Ohio, he continued that impressive trajectory with 30 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and three sacks to his name.
Now standing tall at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Rice embodies the kind of athleticism that allowed him to excel not just in football, but on the basketball court back in high school.
He's playing it close to the vest when it comes to naming which universities he'll visit, but there's no mistaking his enthusiasm. "I am going to visit some schools and I am very excited for that," he explained.
The trend of players transferring from Division II and the MAC to carve out starring roles at bigger schools is continuing, particularly on the defensive line, often deemed a critical position by major colleges. Just look at Braden Fiske's move from Western Michigan to Florida State and onto the NFL, along with CJ West's transition from Kent State to Indiana.
Cam Rice is next in line, ready to make his mark. He's searching for a program that fits his skill set perfectly, one that will fully utilize his potential and prepare him thoroughly for the next level.
"I'm hoping to find the perfect fit for my skill set and where I will be utilized to my full potential and get me best prepared for the next level," Rice remarked.
