New Hope Senior Linebacker Will Rice Feels Confident About Playing at the Next Level - Looking fo...

New Hope Senior Linebacker Will Rice Feels Confident About Playing at the Next Level - Looking for the Right Fit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact@GoMVB.com After reaching out to several colleges by text, e-mail and various social media platforms. letting them know he was interested in playing football for their school, New Hope High School senior William Rice never heard back as his dream of playing college football was starting to fade. But then his confidence rose as he got in touch with the head coach at LaGrange College, a Division 3 school in Georgia. After a few exchanges, the coach invited Rice to make a visit to the school. That will take place on March 11. "I was beginning to think that football was over,'' said Rice. "But when coach texted me back and invited me the school, I was very excited. My confidence rose and my whole outlook changed.'' The 6-foot, 239-pound Rice played running back and linebacker at New Hope, focusing more at linebacker for the 4-6 Indians. Rice had a stellar season on the defensive side of the ball as he was in on almost 70 tackles with three sacks. When the season was finished, no offers were coming in for Rice. When it started getting later and later, Rice took it upon himself to get the ball rolling. He sent out tapes, e-mails, texts and was using social media to contact colleges near and far to let them know they have a devoted player who wants to contunue playing. After an estimated 15 of these social media/text/e-mails were sent out with no responses, he got a text back from the head coach at LaGrange College, a Division 3 school in Georgia. "Yeah it happened real quick,'' said Rice. "I texted him, he got back and seemed interested. After a few exchanges, he invited me to the school to visit the school and tour the facilities. "That was a big relief because now I know there are opportunities out there for me.'' New Hope coach Tyler Johnson put Rice's situation in perspective. "Two years ago, Will would have been recruited and would have had more opportunities,'' said Johnson. "But first you had the covid year and then the transfer portal came along. Coaches want a sure thing and they have that win now mentality so they would rather have a proven player as opposted to signing a kid who may take a year or two to develop. "But Will can play on the college level, it's a no-brainer. He runs downhill and can go side to side. He has great instincts and is a great leader.'' Rice is far from a project, he's an established varsity mainstay. In the weight room, he benches 300 pounds and squats 405 and he runs the 40 in 4.8. In the classroom he maintains a 3.2 GPA. Rice is also the starting goalkeeper for the Indians soccer team, so his athleticism is a plus. Rice was uncomfortable talking about himself as a player and his attributes, but did say, "I like to think of myself as a leader and I'm very team-oriented. I do everything for the team.'' SCOUTING REPORT: ''Playing middle linebacker, Rice has the ability to fight off blockers while surveying a play with his eyes up and focused. When he recognizes the run he is able to go straight ahead and make the tackle or go side to side to make a play on any side of the field. He also has solid tackling techniques and rarely lets a runner get by him when he's in position to make the tackle.'' To learn more about WIlliam Rice, please visit his personalized player page here: William Rice | GoMVB About GoMVB: GoMVB offers personalized digital and social media promotional services specifically for high school prospects aspiring to become next level collegiate athletes. The GoMVB coaches and advisors are former college athletes, high school, and youth coaches themselves with vast experience in marketing and promotions. GoMVB GUARANTEES every prospect will immediately see a marked increase in exposure to and communication with college scouts, coaches and recruiters. To learn, visit GoMVBSports.com.