New Hope coach Tyler Johnson put Rice's situation in perspective.

"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.''