Sept. 7, 2008
As we grow up, people learn that change is an inevitable part of life. Samford fifth-year senior running back Marcus Rice has had to deal with more than his share of changes in his career with the Bulldogs.
Rice was signed with Samford out of Banneker High School in the Atlanta suburb of College Park, Ga. Rice signed as a defensive back, but after working as a scout-team running back during his redshirt season of 2004, Rice was moved to running back full time as a redshirt freshman in 2005.
"It's funny because, in high school, I didn't play an offensive snap," Rice said. "I played nothing but defense in high school, but, during my redshirt year, I asked the old coaching staff if I could play running back for the scout team to get more action in practice."
Rice said the transition from defensive back to running back proved to be a smooth one for him.
"The transition really wasn't hard for me," Rice said. "I actually made the most of it. Of course, coming in, I wanted to play defensive back, having guys like Cortland (Finnegan) and T.C. Myers there to help me, but the transition wasn't bad."
In 2005 as a redshirt freshman, Rice played in 10 games, even earning one start at running back. He averaged 3.2 yards on 18 carries for the season.
As a sophomore in 2006, Rice was the team's leading rusher with 67 carries for 322 yards (4.8 ypc.) and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes in his sophomore season.
After the 2006 season, Samford went through a coaching change, as former head coach Bill Gray was relieved of his duties at the end of the season. Rice and the Bulldogs were left wondering who their new coach would be.
"I think it brought us together as a team," Rice said. "We stayed together, a tight-knit unit. We were ready to move forward. It was a tough time, not knowing who our coach was going to be and hearing rumors. But, we stuck together through the whole process and it has actually turned out to be better for the program."
With the new coaching staff came a new offensive scheme, with more emphasis on the running game, which was good news for Rice and the rest of the team's running backs.
"It's a good thing to know you are going to run the ball more times than you are going to throw when you play running back," Rice said. "So, my chances of getting my numbers up are good with the offense these days, so it's a good thing."
As a junior, Rice played in all 11 games, starting six contests. He rushed 27 times for 99 yards. His receiving numbers increased, catching 20 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
In 2007, Rice also became one of the leaders of a young group of running backs, a role he says he enjoys.
"Some people say I am a natural leader," Rice said. "I'm just who I am. I liked to lead by example. I'd like to leave my mark on this program by helping the younger running backs with the things they need to improve on. That's what I do with any other player from running back to wide receiver, or even defensive back, which I have experience with as well."
Chris Brasfield, Samford's running backs coach, said Rice has provided valuable leadership to the team's running backs.
"I tell him that he has great leadership qualities," Brasfield said. "He can really help this team in some intangible ways. He helps us on the field as well, but there are some intangibles that you love to have from your leaders. A coach can only go so far, but sometimes, internally, when you have players step up and try to keep things together, it really helps."
Entering his senior season, Rice and the Bulldogs will have even more change to deal with. After five seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, Samford has moved into the Southern Conference, the premier conference in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
"I think, in order to be the best, you have to play against the best," Rice said. "When I heard we were really moving to the Southern Conference, I was really excited because it will give us a chance to get better. It's going to bring in better recruits, it's going to bring a better football atmosphere to this campus. I'm really excited about that for this year and for the years to come."
Rice said, heading into his final season on the Samford football team, he just wants to help the team in any way he can.
"Personally, my goal is to contribute to the team in whatever way is best for the team," Rice said. "Whether it is playing receiver, fullback, it doesn't matter. If I have to block, or if I have to sit and be a leader from the sidelines, as long as it helps the team."
Unlike most college football players, Rice got a late start in playing the game while growing up.
"I didn't start playing football until about the seventh grade," Rice said. "I'm originally from New York, so I played a lot of basketball as a child. I was inspired by Barry Sanders. I wanted to play running back, and that was the first position I played in Pee Wee football."
Rice and his family moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to College Park, Ga., when he was a freshman in high school. Rice went on to play for Banneker High School, where he says his high school football coach was a positive influence on him as a football player.
"My high school coach was probably my biggest influence," Rice said. "I watched college and professional sports, but I really didn't understand the game. But, my high school coach really pushed me to be the player I am today. He taught me to never quit."
During his high school career, Rice was named first-team All-South Metro, and he won the Coaches Award for the most outstanding senior.
When Rice was deciding where to go to college, he decided on Samford for reasons that go beyond football.
"The thing that attracted me most to Samford was the opportunity," Rice said. "There was a chance for me to grow in more than one way. That is really important when picking a school, to be able to grow as a person, spiritually, and as a football player as well."
During his time at Samford, Rice has helped lead the football program through several transitions. As he and his fellow seniors enter their final season in a Samford uniform, they hope this will be their best year at Samford.
As for after he leaves Samford, Rice has a couple of options to consider.
"I think I want to do some coaching at the collegiate level, so I am thinking about interning," Rice said. "If I don't intern, I'm definitely thinking about going to graduate school to get my master's in secondary education."
