Denzel Wells gave a verbal commitment to Rice coach Craig Naivar Sunday night. Obviously he did not make his scheduled trip to SMU and is firmly in the fold as a solid commit to the Owls. Wells had considered Fresno State, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, and Iowa before choosing Rice.
The Owls are thrilled to have Wells' speed - reportedly in the 4.35 range. He played receiver this past season for Coach David Raffield's Cy-Falls Golden Eagles. Wells had 43 catches for 927 yards, averaging an eye popping 22 yards per catch. He had 10 touchdowns on the season. His addition to the Owls 2008 Recruiting Class gives the Owls a true home run threat for it's Spread offense. Wells will likely be lined up all over the offense to create mismatches and to to utilize his speed. He could line up at all the receiver positions and even in the backfield.
The Owls feel his speed gives their offense an added dimension and are extremely excited to have him in the fold. "I talked to Coach Naivar and he was yelling and shouting. He was extremely excited about my committment!"
Although recruited as a receiver, Wells could perhaps make a bigger impact playing out of the backfield. The position isn't new for him - he played running back as junior. The Owls return Justin Hill, who finished the season as the starting tailback but depth behind him has been hit hard with injuries. Promising freshman Tyler Smith will likely miss the entire 2008 season after injuring his knee against UTEP. CJ Ugokwe and Marcus Knox also spent time hobbled with injuries. Hill is a big slashing tailback with good straight line speed as shown in his 54 yard touchdown burst against Southern Miss. Wells would give the Owls a cat quick back who could hit the smallest of seams and go the distance.
Denzel really enjoyed his weekend visit and knew Rice was the place he wanted to be. "Yes sir, I committed to the Owls. I felt like the combination of academics and football at Rice were the right fit for me."
Welcome to Rice Denzel!!!