The Syracuse football squad continues to add talent to their roster for not only this season but future seasons. Here’s a player that can’t wait to suit up.
We’ve broken down dozens of prospects here on ITLH for the Syracuse football and basketball team alike. But one thing we’ve never done is project this far out before.
But there’s always a first time for everything, right? So now we’re looking into the crystal ball an extra year deeper than usual with this prospect.
His name is Mershawn Rice. He’s a versatile player that can play both offense and defense. We talked with Rice about his offer from the Cuse, Amba Etta-Tawo’s impact, Dino Babers’ speech and more.
If you’d like to check out any of our previous interviews with future football recruits, you’ll notice them in the slides to come. Well without further adieu lets get into this historic interview with hopefully a future Orange star.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"So you announced that you received an offer from the Orange. Tell us about the pitch from Dino Babers and company. What’d they sell you on?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
They told me that the culture of the team was changing. They told me that they are going to air the ball out and also they are going to have a lot of fun at practice. That sounds pretty good to me. Definitely something I could see myself being a part of.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"As a WR, did the impact of Amba Etta-Tawo have any effect on you? Did that kind of give you a taste of the kind of an impact you can have in this offense?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
I feel that a team like Syracuse that passes the ball a lot will be a great fit for me. As a WR that was great news to hear to see his success.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Going back to SU’s offer for a moment, where does it rank among your offers?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
In terms of the football program, how they run their offense, and being in a power 5 conference they are going to be up there. However I feel that I need to take a visit first before I get ahead of myself. Which I plan on doing in July, although a date has not been set.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"So when evaluating your offers, if you had a power rankings in terms of what’s most important for you. What boxes do you check off? Academics, football program, offense, exposure, etc. What are your most important traits that you’re looking for at your potential college of choice?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
It’s deeper than just football for me. I would have to say academics of course but also the offense is a big factor. Lastly, the people at and around the university. I wanna surround myself around great people that I can trust to be there for me through thick and thin.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Of course, we can respect that. In terms of the recruiting pitch. Did you see the Dino Babers post-game speech last season that has gone viral around the country?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
I liked the speech. I liked the energy. It shows me what could be if I was to attend Syracuse. It’s like a brotherhood and that’s a great relationship to have with the team, coaching staff and program.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"So lets move onto some individual or career goals. Regardless of where you choose to go, what do you hope to accomplish during your collegiate career?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
Being the best player I can be. Giving my all, every single day of my college career; whether it’s the classroom or the field. But also I would love to get All-American honors and things like that. I love getting those individual awards like that because it reminds me that my hard work got me somewhere.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Great. So lets take a look into the crystal ball, do you have your eyes set on the NFL after you graduate college?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
It would be a dream come true. Ever since I started getting really good at football I felt like the goal was attainable. I feel you should always shoot for the stars. When I finally make it, I’ll feel like I accomplished a lifetime goal to do something I love and get paid for it. That’s the dream.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Speaking of the NFL, this is one of our favorite questions to ask prospects. Are there any current NFL’ers out there that you model your game after? Or even some retired players that you like taking things from to make your own?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
I don’t try to model myself after a specific player I just go out there and play my game. And keep working to get better at my craft. However my favorite player is Julio Jones. He is a freak of nature. 6’3″ 200+lbs runs a 4.3. He can jump, run routes, and do everything a receiver needs to do. He’s just a big physical receiver. I just love to see athletes like him and Odell Beckham Jr, and Aaron Donald. You know people like that who play with passion and physicality.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"When do you plan on making your commitment? How many more schools do you plan on visiting/talking with etc."
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
I still have a few more schools to visit before I make my decision. I feel that I want to make it before the start of my senior year. Or before my senior football season is up.
Paul A. Esden Jr. (@BoyGreen25):
"Final question. It’s a two-parter. Do you have a final message for #OrangeNation hoping you come to Central New York? And also, if you could describe your style of play in one word, what would it be?"
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Mershawn Rice (@rice_mershawn):
I would like to tell #OrangeNation thanks for the offer. I can’t wait to see the city and campus and meet the rest of the coaching staff and see the facilities. And one word for my play would have to be dynamic.