Rice Owls Defensive Players to Watch vs. Texas Longhorns

A trio of Owl linebacker talent could provide issues for the Longhorns in Week 1

The Rice Owls aren't a team that should scare many on paper, especially a program with national championship aspirations like the No. 11 Texas Longhorns. Then again, crazier things have happened before in college football.

The Owls head to Royal-Memorial Stadium Week 1 to kick off the season against the Longhorns in what will mark their final season as members of the Big 12. Last season, Rice ended its seven-year bowl hiatus despite finishing below .500 under fourth-year coach Mike Bloomgren. 

There's a new sense of promise around the Houston-based school as the program makes the jump from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference, along with five other schools.

Defensively, Rice needs players to step up. Even with a veteran coordinator like Brian Smith, the Owls can only meet the standard with the proper personnel. Last season, teams converted on 41.3 percent of third-down plays, ranking just the top 100. And while finishing 88th in total sacks, 24 takedowns through a 13-game period isn't enough to suffice now as members of the AAC. 

Be sure to stick with LonghornsCountry.com as we preview every aspect of the matchup with Rice throughout the week. Now, here are a few defensive players to watch for the Owls in Week 1.

DL Blake Boenisch

With the departures of Trey Schuman and Ikenna Enechukwu, someone will have to step up in the trenches. While Boenisch might be better suited inside, he remains the most productive player on the front line returning to Rice Stadium. 

As a freshman, Boenisch saw action in all 13 games, registering 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was proficient as a run stopper, often filling either the "A" or "B" gap in a timely manner to kick plays toward the outside for linebackers to make the tackle. He likely will be the top target for interior linemen to block during the regular season and has the potential to lead Rice in tackles for losses during his junior year.

 

LB Chris Conti

Each linebacker listed has a function for Smith. Conti, a rising senior who joined the squad after starting his career at Rutgers, serves as the thumper. He led the Owls last season in tackles with 75 stops, and finished twice with double-digit stops. 

Conti won't be a player that excels as a pass rusher, but he is a reliable tackler in space. Expect him to be the enforcer that meets running backs and tight ends at the second level with the intent of ending a play in its tracks. 

LB Josh Pearcy

If Conti is the wrap-up tackler, Pearcy is the enforcer. He's a hybrid-type linebacker that's built to add pressure to a backfield. Last season, he led the Owls in both sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (12.5). 

Pearcy was at his best winning one-on-one matchups against tackles. his ability to won on second moves allowed him to always be a factor in the passing game, making sure passers never felt too comfortable. Even if he only find his way into the backfield once, expect him to lead the Owls in sacks once again. 

LB Myron Morrison

Like Pearcy, Morrison is a hybrid defender that does a bit of everything. He can blitz, play the run and excels in open-field tackling. His best asset, however, is coverage. 

Built like a linebacker with the speed of a safety, Morrison was tied as the team leader in interceptions with two. He also broke up three passes and forced one interception. His attention to detail should allow him to eliminate tight ends in man coverage and force quarterbacks to think twice before targeting tight ends in the flats.