| | Published September 3, 2008
| Home Grown Rice Commits to Oregon
| | By Mikaela Cowles |  | | Jackson Rice Photo provided |
Campolindo's star punter Jackson Rice has verbally committed to the 20th ranked University of Oregon. He will sign his national letter of intent this upcoming December.
Rice got an early introduction to punting from his father Mike Rice, former NFL punter for the New York Jets. Despite his early tutelage it wasn't until the end of his junior season that Rice really began to focus on punting. Attending several camps and clinics, he quickly became one of the nation's top punters. This year he has decided to give up the middle linebacker position he has held for three years, to solely punt.
Rice received scholarship offers from other top programs as well, including the University of Washington, the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University. However, his decision was clear after visiting the Oregon campus. In a voice full of excited contentment, Rice said, "Something about Oregon is amazing, the sense of family, the community, the facilities such as the weight room."
He went on to speak of the fan support, the great academics and the relative close proximity to home. "My family is really important to me," said Rice, "and playing in the Pac-10 means most of my games will only be about a two hours away by plane."
At six foot two, one hundred and ninety five pounds, Rice consistently kicks 45 yards, with a hang time of anywhere between 4.7 and 5 seconds. The competition in the Pac-10 with 2nd ranked Southern California University and 16th ranked Arizona State will be fierce in the years to come. Talented special teams players, like the punter, are critical in games against these powerhouse teams. Head Coach Mike Bellotti looks to ensure the continuing success of special teams as The Ducks will lose their starting punter, Josh Syria, next year due to graduation.
Kicking coach Chris Sailer, of the Chris Sailer Kicking Camp's, believes Rice capable of winning the spot and filling Syria's shoes. Not only does Sailer call him a "dominating kicker" with good size, but to top it all off he's "just a great kid with a good head on his shoulders."
Catch Rice at Campolindo's season opener, Friday September 5th at 7pm against Livermore and support the local star as he hones his skills for next year. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA