After a change in his position, St. Laurence’s Sean Rice felt a sudden, positive surge.
It was almost electric. As his play has been ever since.
Rice, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior, is a converted defensive end. The Vikings decided to unleash him this year as an elite pass rusher who also can drop into coverage as an outside linebacker.
”Last year was amazing, but I felt undersized as a defensive end,” Rice said with a nod. “It’s a better fit for my body, and seeing one play go my way makes me feel like I can do anything.”
It was anything and everything Saturday for Rice, who recorded an interception, a fumble recovery off his own sack and five tackles in a 41-0 victory over Leo at St. Xavier in Chicago.
Sophomore quarterback Noah Taylor threw a 76-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Matt Williams to lead St. Laurence (4-1). Senior running back Cory Les, who also had a 17-yard TD run, threw an option TD pass to senior receiver Kameron McHugh following Rice’s strip sack.
Junior defensive back DiCaprio Turks came through with an interception and junior defensive lineman Daquan Brumfield added eight tackles for Leo (2-3).
But for the Vikings, who notched their second shutout this season, the rave reviews were for Rice.
”There’s something really special about Sean,” Les said. “One play can end a drive on defense, and he does that and more. The way he flips the field position is just very special.
“It’s something you don’t see a lot. I’m glad to have him.”
Set up by Rice’s 27-yard interception return, Taylor ended the first half with a 2-yard TD run.
“He just gives us the opportunity to score easier,” Taylor said of Rice. “I think he really changes the momentum for our team in general.
“It gives everybody confidence when they see a guy making plays like that.”
Rice offers an obvious and compelling physical presence for St. Laurence. But there’s more.
“I’d describe my style as fast and physical,” he said. “I come downhill every play trying to beat the guy in front of me. I’ve also grown as a leader. I wasn’t as vocal last year as a sophomore.
“Now playing linebacker, I can see more of the field and communicate with my teammates.”
Switching gears, Rice also plays tight end for the team’s offense. Playing on both sides of the ball has turned him into a heady defensive playmaker who can tilt the field in St. Laurence’s favor.
“I just go out every play trusting the other 10 guys on the field to do their jobs,” he said. “Every couple of plays, doing my job is a big play, and that leads to good things for my team.”
If the last name is familiar, it’s because Sean’s older brother is Jacob Rice, who was a standout forward for the Vikings in basketball. They grew up together playing flag football and basketball.
Their paths then split, although Sean still plays basketball. Jacob puts his focus on basketball and is attending Berkshire, a Massachusetts prep school. Their father, Mike, played NCAA Division III football at North Park.
Football, meanwhile, is Sean’s first love. Having two-way talent also has elevated his profile with Power Four colleges. He has visited Illinois, with upcoming dates at Purdue and Iowa State.
The upside is very enticing and likely only to expand and deepen
”He was young on the varsity last year like I am now,” Taylor said. “He’s been a good role model of how I should be acting as a sophomore on varsity.”
For all his natural abilities, Rice has a creative, introspective side that illuminates his personality.
“I like drawing in art class,” he said. “It clears my mind before practice, especially when I have a lot on my plate.”
At this time, his self-portrait is turning into a work of art.
“I think my personality shows on the field,” Rice said. “After big plays, I’m jumping around, flexing, hyping up my teammates. I just want to be a good teammate and a good leader.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
