Interview: 4-Star 2020 Arizona ATH/WR Brenden Rice Goes Deep on Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When Class of 2020 athlete Brenden Rice is on the field, it seems he can do anything he puts his mind to dazzling the stands game after game. During his junior season, the 6-3, 208-pound, target secured 49 passes for 729 yards with 11 trips to the end zone in 10 games. When needed, he filled in at safety for Hamilton High School putting an end to 17 plays with a highlight reel pick. He even took back three kicks for 66 yards and five punts for 75 more all-purpose yards. The four-star recruit has earned his 17 scholarship offers the hard way by proving it on the field.
With his offseason visit schedule picking up along with national recruiting interest ready to be turned into offers, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview with the Chandler (AZ) area product learning more about his overall game and recruiting process.
Interview
Brenden, your future may be at receiver but your pick last season covering the slot might have been even more impressive than your one-handed touchdown reception. Will we see more of you playing defense during your senior year?
“I have no idea. It is all up to my coaches. Right now, we are evolving as a team seeing who will step up at different positions. If needed, I will go both ways.”
What stood out to me with you on defense is just how fast you really are when you are not dictating the action. How fast are you?
“My best 40-yard dash time is 4.56. In track, my best in the 100 is 11.1 but I am still trying to figure out the blocks.”
Your game film is loaded with fantastic athletic plays, what are some of the strengths to your overall game as a receiver?
“My physicality is a strength, especially getting off the line. I have been practicing that since the sixth grade with my receiver coach. My track speed or my 40 time is nothing like my speed when the ball is in the air. I have closing speed.”
Is there an area or two of your game that most may not be familiar with because the offense may not scheme for it or just does not happen enough in games for that ability to truly shine?
“There are a few points. One is my leadership, I need to grow with that. I am a vocal leader but sometimes I will relax and try to lead by example instead of continuing to be a more vocal leader.”
What are you working on this spring with your game?
“My route running. As I see defensive backs who are better at covering, defensive backs who are reading hips instead of the flashy things. I am working on further separating the gap between me and the defensive back where he has to read me or I force him to make a mistake.”
Are you going to any national camps or combines this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to the Oakland Nike Opening in May.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Ole Miss, Alabama showed some love – there are a lot of them.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 17 offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer you?
“UCLA, Colorado, Northern Arizona, and Cal.”
Which schools have you unofficially visited any schools recently?
“I have gone to Arizona a couple of times, that was cool, and I went to UCLA for a visit.”
How did the Arizona visit go?
“Arizona will always be one of my top schools, both of the Arizona schools. That gives me a chance to stay home and build my name. It gives me a chance to be your own hometown hero.”
What about UCLA, how did that go?
“Oh man. It was wow. Coach (Jimmie) Dougherty (receivers), he is a very intelligent man. I like him a lot. I could run through a wall for him. His leadership capabilities are amazing. It was an amazing visit.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this spring?
“I am speaking with Jack Miller about visiting OSU on April 13. I may go back to Oregon that following weekend.”
Nice. In general, what are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my physicality, route running, elusiveness, and when the ball is in the air I take it – the ball is mine.”
When talking to college coaches, how do they see you impacting their team if you were to play for them?
“Many have said Freshman All-American. That is all I remember honestly – that and starting right away. I don’t listen to all that. Not every promise can be kept.”
As you get closer to your senior year and as things get a little more serious with your recruiting process, what are the factors that will ultimately help you make a final decision on your ideal next level fit?
“I am looking for a place where my family and friends will be comfortable to come see me. I am looking for a place where I can have a brotherhood with my college teammates. I am looking at how the coaches teach the players and the leadership in weight room, it all comes into play. Is this a championship caliber team or just another team?”
What has you excited about the recruiting process looking ahead?
“I am looking forward to talking to schools like Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Clemson, Penn State, and Ohio State. I want to get out there and experience it to see what it is like. I am willing to go everywhere to visit a school if they are willing to offer me.”
Brenden, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your workouts and upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Rice family; Brenden Rice at Arizona and UCLA