Zach Rice is the nation’s top OT recruit. The Lynchburg native and LCA student is rated a 5 star recruit and is ranked the 5th best prospect nationally in the class of 2022, according to 247Sports. Due to being one of the highest ranked prospects in the country, Rice has received offers from a multitude of schools.
“Arizona State has been killing my phone,” Rice stated. “Penn State, UVA, and Alabama have also been in frequent contact with me.”
With essentially every big name school across America offering Rice (including Liberty), it can make the recruiting process difficult. For Rice, he has specific things he looks for in a school.
“I’m very blessed, for me it’s a forty year commitment. The main thing I’m looking for is relationships and a good coaching staff.” Rice said. “The level of education is also important, so if I don’t make it to the big leagues I have something to fall back on.”
Rice took an unofficial visit to Liberty before COVID-19, but hasn’t been on an official visit.
“Since I live in Lynchburg and go to LCA, there’s really no need to go on a visit,” Rice stated.
Rice has earned the nickname “Big Nasty” among his teammates and peers, and it comes from his style of play.
“It started as a joke, but then it went viral and everyone knows me by that,” Rice explained. “I’m big and I have a nasty mindset, I don’t take plays off.”
As an All-American, five-star recruit, and the number one OT recruit in the nation, Rice has already accomplished a lot in his young football career. When asked about what other goals he wants to accomplish, Rice was straightforward.
“I just want to be the best player I can be,” Rice said. “I want to put my city on my back and be an inspiration. To prove that you can do anything you want through God, just like Philippians 4:13 says.”
Rice has set his commitment date to January 21st, 2020.
