Rice Owl Football is on the Horizon!

June 25, 3:38 AMRice Owls ExaminerNate Griffin

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Rice Head Football Coach, David Bailiff

College baseball season is now over after the LSU Tigers defeated the Texas Longhorns 11-4 in game three in what amounted to be a winner take all Championship game. We can now, sort of, turn our attention to football and focus on what kind of team the 2009-10 Rice Owls will be.

Phil Steele's College Football Preview 2009 is calling for the Rice Owls to have it's 6th losing season in the last 8 years. But, before you fall prey to his prediction, keep in mind that most prognosticators predicted only three wins for Rice in 2008---SMU, Army, and North Texas. They were right. But, they also left out seven other wins for the Owls including the bowl win.

The 2008-09 Rice Owls, one can argue, are the best in the history of the program recording a 10-3 season and wrapping it up with a 38-14 rout of Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium.

Former Rice Owl and record breaking quarterback, Chase Clement, who still has not received a call from an NFL team, led the Rice Owls while demolishing the Rice record books and leaving some very tough shoes to fill.

Clement had help from sidekicks former All-American wide receiver, Jarett Dillard, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and All-American tight end, James Casey, now with the Houston Texans. Clement also had a good veteran offensive line that provided solid interior protection with the three seniors---Austin Wilkinson at center, David Berken at right guard and Jimmy Miller at left guard. However, for purpose of this early preview, we begin by taking a peak at the quarterback position.

There are four very talented 'signal callers' in contention for the lead role. We believe that John Thomas Shepherd will be considered the incumbent. However, they are listed in the order that we think they will appear on the depth chart when the season kicks off at UAB. This is based on what we saw during the spring.

1.) Nick Fanuzzi (6'3"-207 Soph)(Possible Starter) -- transferrred from Alabama before fall classes began in 2008. So, should bring big-school leadership mentality and confidence that would benefit a player at the QB position. Has nice release and can find the open receiver. Has good size listed at 6'3", 207. Foot speed and elusiveness could allow him to be an effective QB in the SPREAD.

2.) Ryan Lewis (6'3"-210 RS Freshman)(Possible Starter) --Smooth and athletic leftie. Has good size listed at 6'3", 210. Looks really good rolling out to his left or right and can make the throws. However, the question for Lewis will be can he shift into another gear when training camp begins? If so, Bailiff and staff are going to have some tough decisions to make.

3.) John Thomas Shepherd (6'1"-192 RS Senior) Redshirted in 2005 and has been a very solid backup since 2006. Knows the offense better than any other QB that would vie for the position which is a big reason why Shepherd is listed as the starter in the post-spring prospectus. Can't help but like him because he brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Will need to put that knowledge to work and show athleticism in the position to win the job. Shepherd will need to pick up where Clement left off.

4.) Brent Hotard (6'1"-220 RS Soph.) Has linebacker mentality. Has seen time at safety and special teams. Worked lots last season at safety during practices---although, did get reps throwing the football. Needs to have impressive summer camp. Could be a really solid contributor if he elevates his skill level past those of his competitors.

Early analysis? Fanuzzi and Lewis are neck and neck with Shepherd not very far behind. Do not count Shepherd out of the race! But, keep in mind that it's still early and things can and will change. As training camp and the season draw near, we will provide more in-depth analysis for each position.

Meanwhile, the 2009 football schedule is listed below. Also, follow me on twitter for the latest sports news and be sure to visit the blog and soundoff with your thoughts about the upcoming football season. 

                          2009 Rice Owls Football Schedule

#Families Weekend

*Homecoming